Don't Fall Victim to Tech Support Scams

From: "Kristin Keckeisen, Fraud Watch Network" 
Date: 11/9/2016 6:02 AM

                                AARP Fraud Watch

Don't Fall Victim to Tech Support Scams

Dear Ben,

Phony calls, pop-up messages, the “blue screen of death.”
Americans have lost over $1.5 billion to tech support scams.

How it Works:

Tech support scams can take various forms:

  * A scammer posing as an employee of a well-known tech company calls to say
    the victim’s computer is sending messages that it has a virus.
  * A victim sees a pop-up message on his screen claiming viruses are
    attacking the device. The message includes a phone number to call for
    assistance.
  * A victim’s screen freezes (known as the Blue Screen of Death) with a
    phone number and instructions to call a tech support company.

What You Should Know:

The scammer’s goal is to gain remote access to your device. Once this
happens, he claims to find multiple viruses or “malware” that he
can fix for a fee. The scammer then asks for a form of payment, usually a
credit card or a wire transfer.

What You Should Do:

  * Avoid clicking on pop-up notices that say you have a problem with your
    computer.
  * If you get a tech support call out of the blue, hang up.
  * Never give control of your computer to someone who calls you.
  * Don’t give out your credit card number to someone who claims to be
    from tech support.
  * Don’t give a caller your password; legitimate companies will never
    ask for it.
  * Report scams like this to www.ftc.gov/complaint and let others know about
    it on our scam-tracking map.

Please share this important alert with friends and family.

Kristin Keckeisen
Fraud Watch Network

P.S. Spotted a scam?  Tell us about it.  Our scam-tracking map gives you
information about the latest scams targeting people in your state.
You’ll also find first-hand accounts from scam-spotters who are sharing
their experiences so you know how to protect yourself and your family.

The AARP Fraud Watch Network connects you to the latest information about ID
theft and fraud so you can safeguard your personal information and your
pocketbook.

Visit the site ›

GET HELP:

If you or someone you know has been a victim of identity theft or fraud,
contact the AARP Foundation Fraud Fighter Center at 877-908-3360.

FORWARD TO A FRIEND:

Share this alert with your family and friends so they know how to spot the
common strategies scammers use and have the tools they need to defend
themselves against their tricks.

Forward this alert ›

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