Tech Support Scammers want you to believe there is something wrong with your computer.
You might receive a call or be prompted to call due to an error found on your PC. They take advantage of your lack of computer knowledge and prey on your fear that something terrible will happen if you don’t correct the issue immediately. They guide you to open your web browser and allow them remote access to your computer. They’ll do something to make it appear there are errors on your PC, don’t be fooled, this is easily disguised.
At some point, they might even ask you to sign into your online banking. Or, possibly create a PayPal account to pay them for their repair service.
How can you spot a Tech Support Scam?
• You receive a call from someone claiming to be a technician with a well-known company, they claim to have found a problem on your computer and you have to allow them remote access
• You’re told you have to pay them to fix a problem you did not even know existed and there’s no proof the problem existed
• Pop up warnings that appear to be like an error message, antivirus software error and you have to call them to resolve the security issue on your computer (your computer might even play a warning message that tells you to call someone to correct the problem)
How can you prevent becoming a victim in a Tech Support Scam?
• Security pop-up warnings from real tech companies or antivirus software won’t ask you to call a phone number
• Legitimate tech companies won’t contact you by phone, email or text messages to inform you of a problem on your computer
• Don’t allow an unknown Tech Support to remote in to your PC
• Hang up on any unsolicited call from someone claiming to be a support technician for your PC or software
• Use antivirus to regularly scan your PC for malware, and do not purchase security software from a company you don’t know or haven’t personally contacted to discuss security software
Contact us immediately at (800) 762-3136 or visit your local Beacon Credit Union branch location if you suspect you have fallen victim to a social engineering attack and have disclosed information concerning your Beacon Credit Union accounts. https://www.beaconcu.org/security/#suspicious-activity