To begin tackling this threat, the first step is to understand what a tech support scam is. Despite being one of the less-known scams, it is among the oldest, as it has a sociological component that makes victims more vulnerable.
Humans are naturally trusting, which is why when we are warned about a problem with our computer or one of our accounts, we tend to trust those who claim they can help us. This is the key factor in the tech support scam—scammers take advantage of our good faith and lack of technical knowledge.
How Scammers Target Users
Tech support scammers want you to believe that you have a serious problem with your computer, such as a virus. This is when they approach you, claiming they can fix it.
Cybercriminals often target users who do not have antivirus software installed on their computers, as they are more vulnerable and exposed to these attacks. A user with a reliable program, such as AVG AntiVirus Free, would not face this issue, as the software would alert them if a website or link they visited was unsafe. AVG Antivirus Free even has a dedicated webpage to report dangerous links.
What Is the Goal of a Tech Support Scammer?
The goal of tech support scammers is to make you pay for support services you don’t need to fix a problem that doesn’t exist.
Typically, the required payment method for these fraudulent services involves bank transfers, gift cards, prepaid or cash reload cards, cryptocurrencies, or money transfer apps, as scammers know these transactions are difficult to reverse.
Types of Tech Support Scams
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), scammers use a variety of tactics to deceive people. Recognizing these tactics can help you avoid falling victim to the scam.
Phone Calls
Tech support scammers often call victims, posing as IT technicians from a well-known company, claiming they have found a problem with their computer.
They usually ask for remote access to the computer and then pretend to run a diagnostic test. Afterward, they attempt to make the victim pay to fix a nonexistent problem.
If you receive an unexpected phone call from someone claiming there’s an issue with your computer, hang up immediately—99% of the time, it is a scam.
Pop-up Warnings
Tech support scammers may try to trick you with a pop-up window that appears on your computer screen. It might look like an error message from your operating system or antivirus and could even display legitimate company logos.
Having a reliable antivirus, such as AVG AntiVirus Free, is crucial, as it can block these fraudulent pop-ups or warn you that they are fake.
These pop-ups typically warn you of a security issue on your computer and urge you to call a phone number for assistance.
If you see this type of pop-up warning, do not call the number. Legitimate security messages never ask you to call a phone number.
Online Ads and Search Engine Listings
Scammers also try to place fake tech support websites in search engine results on Google, Yahoo, Bing, and other platforms.
This means that someone looking for legitimate tech support could unknowingly land on a fraudulent website. Always double-check URLs and verify the authenticity of a company before calling their support number.
If you need tech support, only contact a company you know and trust.
How to Avoid Tech Support Scams and What to Do If You’re a Victim
Preventing Tech Support Scams
To protect yourself from tech support scams, follow these key steps:
- Install a good antivirus, such as AVG AntiVirus Free, on your devices to protect against hackers and run regular malware scans.
- Never share personal information or passwords with someone claiming to be from a tech company if you didn’t request help.
- Do not click links or call phone numbers in pop-up warnings. If unsure, go to the official website of a company to find their contact details.
- Do not grant remote access to anyone unless you are sure they are a legitimate tech support representative you contacted for an actual issue.
- Never send upfront payments for tech support services, especially using gift cards or cryptocurrency—legitimate support teams will never request such payments.
Reporting Suspicious Links
If you suspect a link or URL is fraudulent, consider reporting it to AVG AntiVirus Free through their dedicated scam reporting page. By taking small actions like this, we can all help create a safer internet for everyone.
