Tech Support Scams
What are Tech Support Scams?
Scammers sometimes impersonate tech support staff and claim to know that something is wrong with your computer. They offer to help you fix the problem—for a fee—but instead steal your money, infect your computer with malicious software, or steal your personal information.
The scammers do this through pop-ups on the web and through phone calls.
Pop-Ups on the Web
You may see alarming pop-ups (some of which include audio) while using your web browser.
- The pop-up says the computer is infected in some way and may block use of the browser.
- The user is urged to call a phone number for tech support assistance.
- If the number is called, a person offers to "fix" the problem for a fee.
Close the pop-ups.
Phone Calls
You may receive phone calls from con artists claiming to be tech support from Microsoft, Dell, and other major software and computer companies.
- Major tech companies WILL NEVER CALL YOU. They may RETURN a call, but the key here is that you initiated the communication.
- The callers may claim that they have detected viruses or other problems on the user's computer and offer to "fix" the problems for a fee.
- They may try to convince the user to give them permission to run a program giving them remote access to the computer.
Hang up the phone.
If You Get Caught
If you think you got caught by one of these scams, take action to protect your information and college computing resources.
If you gave out info, such as your password, or allowed access to your college-owned computer:
If you gave out personal info, such as your credit card number,