Cybercriminals don’t just set up fake scam websites and send fraudulent emails. We are seeing a rise in the number of reported cases of telephone calls received from companies claiming to be Microsoft / Tech Support.
The caller may offer to solve a computer, tablet or mobile phone problem or try to sell you a software licence to remove a virus or malware from a device.
How to protect yourself from telephone tech support scams
If someone claiming to be from tech support or Microsoft calls you:
- Do Not purchase any type of software or service.
- Ask if there is a fee or subscription associated with the “service.” If there is, hang up.
- Never give control of your computer to a third party. Unless you can confirm that it is a legitimate representative of a computer support team with whom you are already a customer.
- Make a note of the caller’s information and immediately report it to your local authorities or trading standards.
- Never provide your credit card or financial information to someone claiming to be from an unknown tech support company.
As with previous scams of this type, Scammers try to play on users’ ignorance and insecurities to fool them into purchasing unnecessary software or useless PC support services. They will readily resort to ‘techno-babble’ to hoodwink their victims.
If you are unsure about the level of your antivirus protection on any type of internet connected device please contact a member of our team.