The most frequent call I receive is from clients who fall victim to fake Windows Tech Support scammers.
SYMPTOMS:
The scammers may capture your attention by unsolicited phone call or a pop-up on your computer. They intend to scare you into doing what they want you to do.
- Someone with an accent calls your phone, reporting that “your computer is sending out errors. Windows techs are here to help you resolve the issues.”
- Your computer browser freezes with a pop-up that alerts you that “you have a serious virus. Do not turn off your computer, or you will lose all your files. Call immediately, as Windows Tech Support is standing by to help you.”
- The scammers want you to let them into your computer, by saying “Press Windows key and R, then type something in”.
Do not let the scammers into your computer. Call Linda for instructions.
CONSEQUENCE OF LETTING SCAMMERS INTO YOUR COMPUTER:
- The scammers ask you for money to “remove the threats and provide lifetime support”.
- $1199 “oh, you senior citizen? Half price for you.”
- $599 “oh, you live on social security? Let me talk with my supervisor.”
- $299 “supervisor say special price only for you. How you want to pay?”
- They download malicious software to steal your files and identity.
- They install backdoor software to allow them into your computer in the future.
- If you do not pay them, they often change your login password, locking you out of your computer!
- If you let the scammer into your computer, you will need service to clean up your computer.
WHAT TO DO: What can you do to protect yourself from these scammers?
l DO NOT PANIC. They want you to let them into your computer.
l If they call you – HANG UP!
l If a pop-up freezes your browser (or talks or sounds a beep or klaxon), DO NOT CALL THEM.
l Press the CTRL ATL DELETE keys all at once on your keyboard, open the TASK MANAGER, click on the name of your browser, and click on END TASK. This will close the browser and the scary pop-up. Do not recover pages when you open the browser again.
l DO NOT FOLLOW THEIR DIRECTIONS. If you do, you allow them to enter your computer.
l If you let them in, SHUT OFF YOUR COMPUTER, AND HANG UP THE PHONE. Then call me to remove the malicious software that they downloaded to your computer, and install an ad blocker to stop this type of pop-up in the future.
l DO NOT GIVE THEM YOUR CREDIT CARD OR CHECKING ACCOUNT NUMBERS!!
l If you paid them, call your credit card or bank to REPORT FRAUD.
HOW DO THEY POP UP?
When you visit a website that shows advertisements, the scammers ads randomly display and their malicious code redirects your browser to their pop-up designed to scare you into action.
Do not fall prey to the fake Windows Tech Support Scammers!
I am committed to protecting your computers at an affordable price. Thank you for trusting me to keep your computers healthy. Contact us at 239-567-0104 when it is time to renew your protection software, to arrange for our “Learn Computer” training and workshops, or if you need computer and internet help. Be well.
By Linda Lindquist, May 6, 2024
