As Computer Tech Advances, New Computer Service Scams Are Born
Summary: This brief blog discusses the importance of using reputable and experienced IT professionals for computer repairs. Learn about computer service scams. To discuss all your computer and network support concerns, contact GEEK-AID Computer and Network Support https://www.geekaid.com/.
People who have owned cars know that when they find a great mechanic they can trust, it is an auto repair blessing to hold on to. Who wants the hassle of repeatedly paying for repairs and bringing the car back when the problem isn’t resolved? Hiring a reputable computer repair service is similar, but even more important, because your computer and other connected devices contain your private data and many online credentials you use daily. PC repair scammers can steal your data, destroy your storage drives, install malicious software and compromise your computer security.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (https://consumer.ftc.gov/
explains how one of the most common computer repair scams works: “They say they’ve found a problem with your computer. They typically ask you to give them remote access to your computer and then pretend to run a diagnostic test. Then they try to make you pay to fix a problem that doesn’t exist.” To exacerbate the problem, this type of scam may be launched during an onsite or remote mobile computer repair.
Armed with knowledge, many computer repairs scams can be easily avoided:
- Unsolicited Phone Calls – If anyone you don’t know calls and tells you that you have a problem with your computer, hang up and block the phone number. There is no magic way a stranger can know that your computer needs repairs. Legitimate computer repair services will not call, text or email you alerting you to a problem with your computer.
- Scary Pop-Ups – If pop-ups come up on your screen, warning you of a problem or appearing as threatening error messages, do not click on anything. Do not call any phone numbers on the warning screen. Authentic error messages don’t request phone calls. Don’t follow any instructions. Back out. Log out and, if necessary, restart your computer.
- Online Advertisements – Do not automatically click on an ad for computer repairs. Hackers have many devious ways of tricking you into calling them at a number provided in an ad. It is much safer to get a referral from a friend or to research local computer repair options, checking reviews and establishing the legitimacy of the computer repair service you are considering. If remote IT support is the only option, thoroughly vet the service before allowing remote access to your computer system.
Once an IT repair scammer gets you on the phone, they might:
- Pretend To Be From a Reputable Company – If a scammer tells you they’re from Norton or McAfee and sounds knowledgeable and professional, there is a good chance you could be fooled. Tricking you is their full-time job, and some of them are excellent in the phony role they play.
- Ask You To Run Scans – A bad actor might ask you to go through the motions of running scans on your computer and then immediately proclaim that you have some severe problems.
- Convince You To Allow Access – Warning: If you comply with allowing a scammer to gain remote access to your computer, they will be able to access every piece of private data stored in your computer system and any other devices connected to your network. Once a hacker is in, everything is at risk.
- Pressure You Into Joining Their Service – Once you’ve taken the bait, a scammer might sell you on signing up for their IT maintenance contract or a warranty extension.
- Once you’ve agreed to sign up, they ask for your credit card for their phony services. They can then charge you for absolutely nothing while compromising your bank accounts, credit card numbers and other personal data.
- Install Malware Without Your Knowledge – A professional cybercriminal can install all kinds of malicious code on your computer system that will help them access your system, including login credentials to the platforms you visit.
- Re-Direct You To Malicious Websites – Under the guise of “support,” cyber thieves might direct you to a fake website, requiring you to enter credentials and other personal information.
When you are concerned that your computer might be infected with malware or some other threat, it is prudent to research, check references, read reviews and then initiate a phone call to a reputable computer repair service.
Already a Victim of a Scam?
If you believe you might have already been fooled and have shared login credentials or other private data, change your password on every account and platform that is protected by a password. If banking information might have been compromised, call your bank to alert them of the potential fraud. You may have to close accounts and open new ones or obtain new debit or credit cards, but the hassle is well worth it to minimize the potential threats to your privacy and finances. Also, run your own virus scans with up-to-date anti-virus software and remove any suspicious files. Further, anything connected to the same network is likely at risk. If this is the case, you should probably consult IT professionals to mitigate the breach and suggest how one can be avoided in the future.