Watch for fake support phone numbers
Almost every large business offers customers a support line to call for help. Locked out of your account? Broken computer? Smartphone won’t switch on? Nowadays, help is typically just a phone call or a chat window away.
Unfortunately, scammers have taken notice too and developed a crafty con. They create fake customer support numbers and post them online. When frustrated customers call, scammers fool them into granting access to their devices or purchasing unrelated products and services.
The scam follows a similar pattern. You may be having trouble with your account or product. It could be anything ranging from your home computer and any connected devices, a tech gadget, your Internet service or an online shopping account.
You search online for customer support and find a phone number that seems legitimate. Often, it will be a toll-free number (1-888 or 1-844 number). When you call, a “customer service representative” answers and offers to assist you with your account.
In one version of this scam, the person will give you some bad news: your account has been hacked. Since you have seen no evidence of being hacked prior to your call, the “representative” says they can prove your account was hacked if you grant them remote access to your computer.
If you give them access, you make yourself extremely vulnerable to identity theft. Con artists can install malware that records passwords or hunts for personal information, such as bank account numbers.
Some people have been faced with a second version of this scam as well. The supposed representative attempts to sell the customer some kind of vaguely related product or service, such as computer security software or printer drivers. The product or service they offer does nothing to fix your problem, despite it being quite expensive. Victims report paying several hundred dollars.
The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers the following tips to protect you from tech support scams:
Be careful when searching for support phone numbers. Unfortunately, scammers love to post phony customer support numbers online. This means you need to use extra caution when you get in touch with customer service. Double check the URL on the website when looking up a number, or, even better, look for a tech support number on your bill or online account instead.
Never give a stranger remote access. It is never a good idea to grant someone remote access to your computer. Scammers can install malware on your computer that searches for your passwords or other personal information. Don’t pay for services or products you aren’t sure you need. Use your good judgment. If a product or service doesn’t make sense to you, don’t authorize a payment.
Educate yourself on possible scams. Visit BBBHouston.org/scamtracker to search for scams affecting your area and learn more about the details of particular scams. If you’ve fallen victim to this type of scam, you can help others avoid being scammed by filing a report with the BBB.
The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Visit www.bbbhouston.org or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the BBB of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail lnapoliello@bbbhou.org. Include your mailing address and phone number.