Stay Alert – Tech Support Scams Remain Rampant

Tech support scams use scare tactics to trick you into technical support services to supposedly fix device or software problems. At best, the scammers are trying to get you to pay them to fix a nonexistent problem. At worst, they're attempting to gain remote access to your computer under the guise of fixing the problem, so they can instead install malware, ransomware, or other unwanted programs to steal your personal information.

Here's what to look for and how to respond:

• Phone calls – They may call and pretend to be a computer technician from a well-known company such as Microsoft, saying they've found a problem with your computer. They typically ask you to give them remote access to your computer and then pretend to run a diagnostic test. The next step is for them to say you need to pay them to fix the issue. If you get a phone call you didn't expect from someone who says there's a problem with your computer, hang up.
  
  
• Pop-up warnings – A pop-up window may appear on your computer screen that looks like an error message from your operating system or antivirus software. It warns you about a security issue on your computer and tells you to call a phone number to get help. If you see this kind of pop-up window, don't call the number. Real security warnings and messages will never ask you to call.
  
  
• Online ads and listings in search results pages – Tech support scammers try to get their websites to show up in online search results for tech support. Or they might run their own ads online. The scammers are hoping you'll call the phone number to get help. Don't do it!

If your computer has been invaded by scammers, you may want to hire a professional to find and remove any malicious programs they've installed. Take your computer to a local brick-and-mortar repair shop run by someone you trust.