Tech Support Scams: Common Indicators and How to Stay Safe

Understanding tech support scams

Malicious attackers using a tech support scam want you to think your computer has several issues such as a virus or fraudulent activity on your computer. They use various methods to contact you such as a phone call, pop-up message, or phishing email attack. Regardless of the method used to contact and attack you, their purpose is to gain control of your machine and steal any information or funds possible. Spotting these attacks before they happen is crucial to thwarting the attacker’s methods and keeping your family safe.

Common indicators

• Unsolicited contact via phone or a pop-up message on your computer.
• Request for remote access to resolve an issue with your computer. 
• Pressure to purchase software to remediate computer issues.

Tips to stay safe:

• Remember, large companies such as Microsoft, Apple, or Amazon will not directly contact you by phone for issues on your computer or fraudulent charges to your account.
• Never provide remote computer access to unknown parties.

If you believe you’re the victim of this scam, do the following:

• Cease communication with any bad actor(s) and disconnect from Wi-Fi network.
• If financial information was provided, contact the associated companies to request new accounts be opened.
• If credentials were provided, immediately change the password to the associated accounts.

Disclosures

The views and opinions expressed by LPL Financial Advisor(s) may not be representative of the views of other Financial Advisors and are not indicative of future performance or success. Neither LPL Financial nor the LPL Financial Advisor can be held responsible for any direct or incidental loss incurred by applying any of the information offered.