WORD TO THE WISE: Don't fall victim to bogus 'tech support' calls
Many people are still reporting to the Better Business Bureau they have received telephone calls from individuals claiming to be with tech support from well-known software companies. Microsoft has been a very popular claim, but there have been others as well -- and even some claiming to be with federal law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI.
The scammers may know your name and other personal information, which they get from publicly available phone directories. They might even guess what computer operating system you are using.
The caller tells you your computer is sending error messages, and they've detected a virus on it. He says that only a tech support employee can remove the virus but first you must grant him access to your machine. If you give the OK, the caller will run a scan of your files and actually point out how the virus has infected the computer. The scammer then offers to remove the virus ... for a fee. Of course, they need your credit card information first.
You might think this is another form of telephone fraud designed to get your credit card information, but there are actually two twists. It is possible, if you allow the caller to access files on your computer, he or she can access banking information by using your computer to log into your banking programs.
In addition, the caller could download spyware onto your computer, which could allow them to monitor your keystrokes. Many people reporting this crime to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center indicated if they allowed the caller remote access to their computers, whether they had paid for the virus to be removed or not, they had difficulties with their computers after. Some said their computer would not turn on or that certain programs/files were inaccessible. Some victims even reported taking their computers in for repair and the technicians confirmed that software had been installed.
What to do if "tech support" calls?
Be wary of answering calls from unknown numbers. Instead, let the call go to voice mail, and if it's important they will leave a message.
Don't rely on caller ID. Scammers have the ability to spoof their caller ID numbers to appear legitimate.
Never give control of your computer to a third party unless you can confirm it is a legitimate representative of a computer support team with whom you are already a customer and you initiated the support.
Never provide your credit card or financial information to someone claiming to be from tech support.
If a caller notifies you that he or she has detected a virus or other threat to your computer, hang up.
Take the caller's information down and report it to the BBB, local authorities or the Federal Trade Commission.
If you did allow a caller to access your computer:
Change the passwords for your computer, email and online banking and credit card accounts.
Be sure to update your antivirus software and run a virus scan.
Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report if you shared personal and banking information with the scammer or if you suspect that malware was installed.
Find a trustworthy computer repair company to ensure that all malware has been removed.
Kelvin Collins is president/CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Central Georgia and the CSRA Inc., serving 41 counties in Middle Georgia and the Central Savannah River area. Questions or complaints about a specific company or charity should be referred directly to the BBB at 478-742-7999, www.bbb.org or by emailing info@centralgeorgia.bbb.org.
This story was originally published November 9, 2015 at 10:44 PM with the headline "WORD TO THE WISE: Don't fall victim to bogus 'tech support' calls ."