Also known as remote access scams,
the criminal aims to convince their potential target that their computer has
malware. Once they gain traciton with this story, the criminal then tells the target that they need to download remote access software so the computer can be fixed. These scams may be via cold calling, web site pop-ups or even via scam
emails.
1. Remember that telecommunications and computer
companies do not proactively call people unsolicited to tell them there is
malware on their computers.
2. Do not give remote access of your computer to
anyone unless you can confirm the request is legitimate and from a genuine
technical support company that you do business with.
3. Do not believe pop-ups that state
your computer has malware and suggest you call a number or download and run
software to repair it.
4. If you have already been scammed
delete any software they asked you to install, change your passwords, call your
financial institutions to cancel any credit card that may have been provided to
the scammer and to attempt to claim back any money that has been scammed.
5. Share Tech Support scam information with others.
