Tech support scams - Computer software scams
Tech support scams can be difficult to spot
If you don’t know the signs of a computer software scam or you think you might be the victim of this scam, read our article to find out more.
Criminals will try and find ways to take your online identity and personal details. This could be through phone spoofing, investment scams, or using tech support scams.
Tech support scams or computer software scams are one of the most common and easiest ways a criminal can get hold of your online identity. This is because they can easily disguise attacks such as malware on your device.
Once these criminals have your information, they can use it to commit fraudulent activity such as setting up new bank accounts in your name.
A tech support scammer will have you believe that there is an issue on your device that needs fixing immediately. They might tell you that you have a virus that is harming your laptop. However, no such virus exists.
Did you know that criminals can disguise malware in a link or attachment? Once you give them access to your device or download a link or attachment that they have promised will fix the issue, they will then begin to take your data.
In some cases, if you download ransomware onto your device, criminals might demand a fee for you to have your data back.
Criminals implement most cyber-attacks such as malware or a virus to steal personal information from your device. For example, if you have online banking, they might access your login and drain any money in your bank. They could then open another account for a credit card and steal even more money under your name. Leaving you further in debt.
Not only can a criminal trick you into downloading a virus or malware, but they might also ask you to send money so that they can fix the ''issue'' that doesn't exist.
Some of the other types of attacks that they can utilise on your device include:
Spyware - Criminals can use this to track your browsing history so that can gather information about your online shopping and banking.
Scareware - This poses as genuine anti-virus software and once you download or install it, criminals will be able to steal your data.
There are many other ways tech support scams or computer software scams can trick you into downloading unnecessary files. We want to help you watch out for any type of tech support scams by outlining the signs.
What are the signs of a tech support scam or computer software scam?
There are many signs you can look out for tech support scams. This includes:
If you receive a message out of the blue, stating you need to download software to access an article, avoid it. Chances are, once you click the link or attachment, you will download malware or a virus.
If you visit a website and a pop-up box appears on your screen asking you to download software before being able to enter, we suggest you leave the website. Downloading this software can result in criminals stealing your data and online identity.
The point above also covers any random pop-ups that appear on your computer screen. For example, a pop-up instructing you to download anti-virus software. The pop-up might tell you it detects multiple viruses on your device and by downloading their software, they can help remove them. Tech support scammers can even copy logos of genuine companies such as McAfee, making it look reputable. These pop-ups might even advertise discounts on their anti-virus software if you download it there and then.
Criminals impersonating tech support will also use ads to lure the victims into calling them or visiting their website. Remember, cybercriminals are exceptionally clever at creating fake websites that look identical to genuine ones. If your browsing the internet and see an ad for discounted software, we advise you avoid clicking on it.
If you receive an unexpected call from a computer technician stating they've found a problem on your device, hang up. For example, someone could call and claim to be from Microsoft. They might tell you that they have found a virus on your laptop, and you need to download their anti-virus. However, this is a scam.
The unexpected caller might also tell you that they need remote access to your computer. Remote working has become increasingly common since the pandemic. So, it isn't unusual for genuine technical support advisors to remote access your device to fix any issues. However, if you received this call unexpectedly, or you’re visiting a computer technician without proof they are qualified, this could be a trap. They might use this time to access files and steal your data. Equally, they might create an issue on your device and ask you to pay extra to have it fixed.
Most cybercriminals will use urgent language to trick their victims into clicking a link. They can do this by writing an email or creating an ad that says your device has been compromised and that you 'need' to respond or 'act fast' before the issues become worse.
Finally, if they call you, they might sound professional and persuasive. But these criminals will have received training and will know exactly what to say.
How do I protect myself from tech support scams?
There are many things you can do to protect yourself from a potential tech support scam. This includes the following:
Legitimate tech companies won't randomly call you. If you weren't expecting the call, we suggest you hang up. If there is an issue with your device, tech companies will wait for you to report it, they won't seek out customers.
Any genuine tech support ads will never encourage you to call a number. They will typically just advertise their services and wait for customers to visit their website. However, criminals can create fake websites, so we advise you to search the website yourself on Google as opposed to clicking the link in the ad.
Only visit tech companies you know and trust. Just because you've stumbled across a website that promises free anti-virus by signing up with them, doesn't mean they are trustworthy. Make sure you read reviews from their Google page or by visiting their social media pages.
Ask friends, family, or colleagues to advise a tech company you can visit if you are having issues. Chances are someone you know will be able to advise you on a company they have visited in the past and were extremely helpful.
Always ensure your device has a firewall and reputable anti-virus software. If you don't install or update these on your device, it leaves you open to an attack and criminals taking your data.
Be careful of what files or attachments you download. Whether this is directly from your browser, or an email someone has sent you. This is the most common way criminals disguise malware and take your data. Only download something if you're 100% sure it's safe. If you're unsure, ask a friend, family member, or colleague. You could even visit your local computer store and see what they suggest.
Only use reliable websites/sources if you're surfing the internet. Never visit a website you are unfamiliar with.
Create secure, strong passwords for all your accounts and don't use the same password for each account. Using a different password will protect all your other accounts if a criminal manages to gain access to one.
Never hand your bank details or any other personal information to someone. We suggest you seek advice from a renowned tech company and don't just take the word of a random caller, add, or pop-up.
Set up two-factor authentication on all your accounts. This includes emails, social media, and other apps on your phone. This way, if someone does get hold of your login details, they won't be able to log in without a unique code. This will alert you of the sign-in attempt so you can change your password.
It can be scary to know that criminals can easily impersonate a tech company. However, by following the above tips, and not trusting people with your personal information or bank details so easily, you should be able to avoid tech support scams.
How can I tell if my device is infected?
There are a few ways you can tell your device has been infected by a computer software scam. These are just a few of the signs to look out for:
Your computer's general performance has suddenly started to run slow.
You're unable to access files on your system, or maybe you can't log in to your device at all.
There are signs that someone has accessed your social media accounts. There is usually a way on social media to see the location of where your device has been logged in. If you don't recognise these locations, you can log them out immediately and change your password.
If you notice any changes on other accounts, and it seems as though someone has logged in e.g., emails being sent from your account that you didn't send, your account may have been compromised.
Have you noticed money being withdrawn from your bank? Check your bank statements to see if someone has gained access to your account by looking over your purchase history. If you have noticed any unusual transactions, call your bank immediately.
Are there any new icons on your screen? Criminals may have put software on your device to harvest your data or browser activity.
If you’re receiving constant calls from tech support scams, it might be a signal that you have fallen for one in the past and criminals are attempting to target you again.
If your device isn't installing legitimate cybersecurity software, it might be down to criminals putting a block on it.
Are you receiving a ridiculous amount of pop-up ads? This could be another sign you have a virus on your device. Installing the right anti-virus software should remove these.
Finally, if you do have reliable security software on your device, we recommend you run a virus check to outline any issues.
What should I do if I've fallen for this crime?
If you believe you have been the victim of tech support scams, we suggest you do the following:
Contact your bank. If you have handed your bank details to a criminal or have noticed money being withdrawn from your account, you need to call your bank. They can then put a stop to any more money being taken and attempt to recover any stolen money.
Report them to Action Fraud so they can investigate the criminals. This will also help warn other individuals from being scammed. The elderly are vulnerable to these types of crimes. Reporting them can help remove any ads or pop-ups and alert others of scam calls.
Take your device to someone you know and trust. Visiting your local computer shop or asking around for a reputable tech company means they can investigate the issue and see if they can remove the virus.
Change any passwords that you may have given out. Make sure your setting unique and unpredictable passwords. If you're using the same password on other sites, change those too. A criminal will try to log in to multiple accounts with the information you have given.
Finally, inform family and friends of any scams you've fallen for or are currently aware of. The more people spread the word, the less chance these criminals will have of stealing from innocent people.
If you do have any issues with your device, please feel free to give one of our engineers a call today or complete our online form to see if we can help.