In today’s digital age, tech support scams have become a pervasive threat, targeting unsuspecting home users. These scams aim to exploit vulnerabilities and trick individuals into revealing sensitive information or granting unauthorised access to their devices. To help you stay safe, we have outlined five of the latest tech support scams and provided valuable tips to protect yourself from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.

Fake Tech Support Calls

Scammers may impersonate reputable companies or tech support agents, contacting users through phone calls. They often claim that the user’s computer is infected with malware or experiencing technical issues, and offer to fix the problem remotely for a fee. To stay safe:

• Be cautious of unsolicited calls claiming to be from tech support
• Never share personal information or grant remote access to unknown callers
• Hang up immediately if you suspect a scam and report the incident to the appropriate authorities

Malicious Pop-Up Messages

While browsing the internet, users may encounter pop-up messages warning about viruses or system errors that don’t actually exist. These messages typically instruct users to call a provided number for immediate assistance or to install antivirus software via a link to a download website. To protect yourself:

• Enable pop-up blockers on your web browser
• Avoid clicking on suspicious pop-up messages or advertisements
• Install reputable antivirus software to detect and block real threats

Phishing Emails

Phishing emails are a common method employed by scammers to trick users into revealing personal information. They may pose as legitimate companies or financial institutions, urging recipients to click on malicious links or provide sensitive data. To avoid falling victim to phishing scams:

• Be cautious of emails requesting personal information or urgent action
• Verify the legitimacy of emails by checking the sender’s email address and examining any suspicious links
• Never click on links or download attachments from unknown or untrusted sources

Scammers Utilising Remote Desktop Software

Some scammers may convince users to install remote desktop software on their computers, allowing the fraudsters to gain full access and control over the device. Genuine tech support agencies do use remote desktop software to legitimately access your device in order to resolve your issues, but make sure you have verified they are a real business before accepting any remote connections. To safeguard against scammers using remote access:

• Only install remote desktop software from trusted sources
• Be skeptical of unsolicited requests to install or grant remote access
• Regularly review and update your computer’s security settings and permissions

Fake Tech Support Websites

Scammers create counterfeit websites that resemble legitimate tech support portals, luring users into submitting personal information or paying for unnecessary services. To stay safe:

• Verify the authenticity of websites by checking for secure connections and ensuring they belong to reputable companies
• Avoid clicking on suspicious advertisements or links that redirect you to unfamiliar websites
• Keep your web browser and operating system up to date to protect against known vulnerabilities

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is essential to remain vigilant against tech support scams. By familiarising yourself with the most common scams and implementing proactive measures, you can safeguard your personal information and protect yourself from falling victim to fraudulent schemes. Remember, when it comes to tech support, always prioritise security and trust only reputable sources for assistance.

Here at bitpix we are committed to providing the best tech support as a trusted brand with over 15 years’ experience and genuine 5-star reviews to back it up. If you’re looking for help with your device or would like to talk more about keeping your technology safe, why not contact us? We’d love to help!