Tech Support Scam

Tech Support Scam

Internet usage continues to expand as coverage becomes more available and as users are added by the thousands. Those users include people who do not understand what goes on behind the scenes as well as others who know that they do not know.

Scam artists have been around throughout recorded history. The intent is always the same: to take advantage of innocent people, usually absconding with some of their cash. It is just that many of the methods have changed over the years. The art of catching people unaware is common to nearly all scams. The best scams work, not because the victims are oblivious, rather that they respond without thinking, often erring on the side of caution.

Here’s an example. On a recent episode of ABC-TV’s “The Catch.” a couple of con artists (who were also pickpockets) needed to get their hands on some cash. They posted legitimate looking signs near an outdoor café. The signs read, “Be careful. Pickpockets operate in this area.”

It was a perfect scam. People who saw the signs immediately put a hand on the pocket where their cash was, just to be safe. Their response to the signs made it easier for the pickpockets to pull off their scam. In fact, the signs were the scam.

Virtually the same thing is happening on the internet with tech scams. The user may receive a message by phone or on their screen, prompting the user to take action to protect their computer from some alleged issue or malware. Just like the victims of the pickpockets, people react instinctively out of an abundance of caution.

Once in contact, the tech scammer will request access to the individual’s computer in an alleged attempt to fix the non-existent problem. Presto-chango! Before the victim knows what has happened, his computer has new malware installed, his personal banking information has been stolen, or his PC is being held for ransom.

This has become particularly dangerous in the era of remote monitoring and maintenance. There are two things you can do to protect yourself from the tech service scammers.

  1. Think about what is really happening.
  2. Never respond to a tech service warning unless you know the person making contact and that person has been authorized by you to protect your computer.

Be vigilant and think before you react. Thinking first may keep you from doing something foolish. Tech Sentries is the logical source of your protection. We guard and protect your PCs, laptops, and other connected devices against the dangers that lurk in cyberspace and the scam artists who want to take you for everything they can.
