2023 should be a good year for most but for some, not true. PC Scams are in the increase. Once you computer is infected, the only real to keep your computer is to completely erase the hard drive or buy another hard drive. Then there is the problems with your credit cards and bank accounts. Truly a financial disaster.
So what can you do to prevent this.
NEVER call any phone number(s) that “MYSTERIOUSLY” appear on your screen. Call PC Repair
NEVER respond on your Cell Phone to a message or email about an account that requires your to enter your password. Call PC Repair
HANG UP if you receive a call on your cell phone saying that they need your login info to get into your account for a credit to you or we noticed your computer has a VIRUS. Call PC Repair
How the Scammer Gets You
In a technical support scam, a cyber thief will contact you, either by phone or through a website via a pop-up window in your web browser (an example of this process is described in this article). The scammer may claim to represent Microsoft, Google, Apple, or other IT vendors, or they may claim to be IT support staff.
A common tactic they use is to tell you that your computer is infected with malicious software, also known as malware, and they will offer to “fix” the problem. If they are able to convince you that your computer is infected, often they will ask you to give them remote access to it.
Down the Rabbit Hole
Once the scammer gains remote access to your computer, typically via remote desktop software, they may do one or more of the following:
- Trick you into installing malicious software, or malware, that could scan for and capture personal information, such as your banking passwords and other important login credentials.
- Lock your computer so that you aren’t able to access your data and files until you pay for their “support” services.
- Direct you to fraudulent websites and ask you to enter personal information or pay for services.
How can I avoid scams?
- Technical support services for legitimate IT vendors, banks, and other organizations, including UW, will never contact you out of the blue and ask for credit card numbers, login credentials, or other personal or financial information.
- Do not purchase software or services that are advertised via unsolicited phone calls, texts, or pop-up messages.
- Never allow remote access to your computer by a third party unless you are able to confirm that it is a legitimate representative of a computer support team with whom you are already a customer.
- Never provide your credit card or financial information or login credentials to an unsolicited caller who claims to work for IT support for Microsoft, Apple, other tech companies.
Are you a VICTIM of a Computer SCAM
We would very much like to hear your story about pc scams and like the story of Sue on our homepage, would love to create a short video of your experience with the scam and show other how to avoid the pitfalls of a scammer.
