The Red Flags of Tech Support Scams

New World, New Tech, New Threats

In today’s world there are many modern marvels to wonder over. There are advancements in technologies and networking that bring about new and exciting things. Unfortunately, this also breeds many nefarious entities trying to shortcut their way to gaining unethical financial gains. You could be at risk without an understanding of the red flags signifying a scam.

Dealing With Scamming Methods

If you’ve spent any time browsing the Internet, you’ve probably come across a potential scam. You might not have recognized it as a scam. You might have even shut off your device trying to simply make it go away. These scams can come in many forms. One such form would be an invasive pop-up that refuses to allow you to easily close out the tab or go backwards. Another example would be something that appears to take control of your entire screen. Your activities become frozen and there’s nothing you can do but turn off your computer or rely on the old trusted Ctrl+Alt+Delete method. Surfing the Internet whether through a computer browser, or on your smart phone makes no difference on whether you are susceptible to such attacks. Even having a landline can offer the “scammers” a platform to try to convince you into handing over your information or hard-earned cash.

In this article we’re going to touch on the key aspects of recognizing the red flags signifying a potential threat. We’ll provide reasoning methods of determining whether the message you are receiving is in fact legitimate.

Emails And Cold Calls

Two very typical avenues for the scammers to approach are through emails and phone calls. You will receive either with a supposed tech support “specialist” informing you that your computer has contracted a virus. They will tell you that you are under threat of being robbed of your information and money. They will claim to represent professional organizations such as Microsoft, Apple, or even Norton. They will then instruct you to follow a link posted on the email, or go to a specified website that the caller will state. If you follow their advice you will further be instructed to download an “official” program giving them remote access to your computer. You will indeed give them full control of your computer with the added bonus of all of your information. The biggest red flag in this entire operation is that they are contacting you. Big corporations have policies in place to never reach out to their customers unless initiated by the customer first. The best thing to do in this situation is to hang up the phone, or ignore the email. One thing to note is that sometimes the scammers will even have caller ID that appears as though they are from a professional corporation or organization. You can check the number yourself to find out if it is legitimate, however it probably wont be.

Invasive Pop-ups And Screen Hijacking

A couple of other ways these scams get incorporated into your daily browsing is through pop-ups and screen hijacking. These moments can invoke fear and frustration. This could happen on a computer or a smartphone. You will receive a message on your screen sometimes accompanied by an automated verbal message. There will be a link or a phone number they will ask you to use. They make it very difficult for you to leave the page or close out the tab. Sometimes you will have to resort to shutting down your browser, restarting your device, or accessing the task manager by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete. This should already be an enormous red flag and clear indicator that something isn’t right. No self-respecting company would ever risk losing customers or lawsuits by being so invasive. Microsoft is never going to freeze your screen and force you to call them. As much of a hassle as it is, closing everything out or restarting your device will save you a lot of time and money.

Stay Safe And Keep Your Money And Information Secure

If you take these things into consideration you will be more equipped to avoid potential scams. Make sure that if anything at all seems fishy, you are vigilant in legitimizing their claims. Scammers will always be out to find new ways of stealing your money. In order for us to keep what we own, we must be informed and vigilant. Stay safe and remember, you can always reach out to the company yourself to find out if there truly is a problem.

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