Technical support scams are scams that take two forms: malicious popups/malvertisements and malicious phone calls. Some technical support scams claim to be from big, reputable companies, including Apple, Microsoft, Google, McAfee, Symantec, and Malwarebytes. This wikiHow will help you avoid these scams. [1] X Trustworthy Source Microsoft Support Technical support and product information from Microsoft. Go to source [2] X Research source [3] X Research source [4] X Research source [5] X Research source [6] X Research source
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:
Recognizing Scams
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Look for fake error messages. Fake error messages are error messages that take up a browser window or a portion of your screen and claim to have detected an error. They will then give a phone number to call.
- Note that error messages seldom appear on mobile apps; instead, the app will force close when it encounters an error.
- Even if there is an error message, they will say "Click OK to terminate the program" or similar. They will not ask for you to call a number.
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Look for messages or phone calls about winning prizes from a major tech company. If the message discusses a "prize" you may have won, then it is likely fake. To "claim" your "prize", you usually have to complete a survey, download potentially harmful software, or call a number and give them a code. They are fake.
- Some major companies, such as Microsoft, have their own rewards program and own sweepstakes. In this case, check the domain. If the domain exactly matches that of a reputable organization, and you see a green lock in the corner of your browser, then it is safe to proceed.
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Be dubious of calls claiming to be from a major company. Major companies will never call you because of a "bug" or "virus" on your computer. Instead, they will give you information about the malware, how to avoid the malware, and how to remove it on their website's blog.
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Look for phone numbers. These phone numbers are incredibly unlikely to appear on a real error message. Real error messages will contain an error code that you will need to conduct a web search to understand what it means. Most major companies do not have technical support numbers. Rather, they have either a help center, online chat, or step-by-step tutorials.
- Don't call these numbers. Unless if the number begins with 800, the number likely is premium rate. Even then, the number is fake, and you may receive more unwanted phone calls.
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Don't be worried about Event Viewer error messages. A perfectly fine computer experiences error messages on a regular basis. They are not indicative of any problem with your computer.
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Look for scammers asking you to install software on your computer. Software such as TeamViewer and Ammyy is commonly used for remote access. While they are trusted, you probably do not want anyone except yourself and your friends from using this software.
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Check for spelling mistakes in errors and warnings. Scammers commonly do not use proper grammar, and a misspelling of any word or improper grammar often gives away information. Real websites are proofread for any mistakes before they are published.Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:
Handling Scams
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Hang up the phone. Do not talk to them about anything you have on your computer. Block the number while you are at it.
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Report the phone number to the FTC. Visit https://ftc.gov/complaint . Enter any information you have about the number into the webform.
- You need to know the phone number to report it.
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Close any popups. In some cases, you will need to force the application to quit. Open Task Manager/Force Quit, choose the task to close, then choose "End Task" or "Force Quit".
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Run an antivirus scan. With a trusted antivirus, run a full scan. This will catch any adware on your computer, as well as quarantine and remove it.
- You may need to do an offline scan. To do so, see this article.
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Reset your browser settings. Clear all browser data, and reset the home page to your default. This varies from browser to browser, but look under the "Advanced" tab.Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:
Preventing Scams in the Future
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Install a reputable antivirus program. On Windows 8.1 and later, Windows Defender comes with antivirus features. On Windows 7 and earlier, download Microsoft Security Essentials.
- Mac has built-in security features that removes viruses upon detection. They will prompt you to move malware to the Trash.
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Heed all warnings from your antivirus software. If you see a red screen or red text from your antivirus informing you that the website you are visiting is not safe, click the browser back button or home button immediately. Do not disregard the message.
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Get automatic call blocking. Different carriers have different options, but generally, you can get most call blocking from an app your carrier provides.
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Keep your software up to date. This prevents security flaws from resulting in malware infecting your computer. If your software is not up to date, then check for updates by going to Windows Update in Settings or the Mac App Store from the Apple menu.
- In addition, keep your antivirus definitions up to date. Viruses can still be manually downloaded as a result of clicking on fake error messages, spam emails, or malvertisements.
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Turn on data protection features. Encrypt your drive, turn on ransomware protection (Windows 10), and set a password on your computer.Advertisement
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References
- ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4013405/windows-protect-from-tech-support-scams
- ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204759
- ↑ https://support.google.com/faqs/answer/2952493?hl=en
- ↑ https://securingtomorrow.mcafee.com/consumer/consumer-threat-notices/how-to-spot-tech-support-scams/
- ↑ https://www.symantec.com/about/legal/anti-piracy/tech-support-scams
- ↑ https://blog.malwarebytes.com/tech-support-scams/
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