As Computer Tech Advances, New Computer Service Scams Are Born

Summary: It is important to use reputable and experienced IT professionals for computer repairs. Be on the lookout for common computer service scams in use by cybercriminals posing as pc repair services.

Car owners 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 is not resolved? Finding a trusted and reputable local computer repair service is similar, but even more important, because your computers and other connected devices contain sensitive private data and many online credentials you use daily. PC repair scammers can access your information to steal from you or to sell your data repeatedly on the dark web. They can destroy your storage drives, install malicious software and compromise your computer security. The FTC explains how one of the most common computer repair scams works: “They say they have 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 does not exist.” To exacerbate the problem, this type of scam may be launched during an onsite or remote mobile computer repair.

Common Computer Tech Repair Scams

• Unsolicited Phone Calls – If anyone you do not 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 or local computer repair service 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. You should be the one making contact – not the other way around.
• Scary Pop-Ups – If pop-ups appear 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 do not request phone calls. Do not 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. Fake landing pages can look legitimate.

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 are from Norton or McAfee and sound knowledgeable and confident, there is a good chance you could be fooled. Tricking you is their full-time job, and some of these cybercriminals 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 announce 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. Once again, you should initiate contact, not the repair service.
• Pressure You into Joining Their Service – Once you have taken the bait, a scammer might sell you on signing up for their IT maintenance contract or a warranty extension. Once you have 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 (such as keystroke logging malware) on your computer system that will help them access your system, including login credentials to the platforms and apps 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, credit cards and other personal information that can be used for identity theft.

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 or onsite mobile repair service.

Already a Victim of a Computer Service 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 security professionals to shut down the breach, clear your devices of malware and suggest how scams can be avoided in the future.

Are Remote and Mobile Repair Sessions Safe?

If you use a reputable repair service, then yes, this type of service is safe for PC repair. When searching for a reputable computer repair service, look for one that has been in business for at least 5 years, has a street address listed on their website, and has local reviews. Look for partnerships, authorized service designations and certifications with manufacturers, too. Asking other small business customers for a recommendation is also a good method for finding a reputable computer tech company.

Most IT service companies can perform remote repair sessions on your device. It is convenient and fast for both the technician and the client. It involves agreeing to a one-time session and allowing the computer technician to control your desktop screen while you observe the activity. Once you log out of the session, access ends and a new session would need to be initiated for access. Contact your trusted IT service company to see if your issue can be solved with a remote session, or if an on-site visit is needed.