The Tech Support Scam: How to Stay Safe

Example of a Famous Case

In 2021, a global tech support scam operation was exposed, with call centers in India targeting victims worldwide. A U.K. man lost £240,000 after fraudsters convinced him his computer was compromised. They gained remote access, installed malware, and drained his bank account under the guise of “fixing” his system.

3 Tips to Avoid the Tech Support Scam

1. Don’t Trust Unsolicited Calls or Pop-Ups: Legitimate companies will never contact you out of the blue about technical issues. Ignore unexpected warnings or phone calls.

2. Never Grant Remote Access: If someone asks for remote control of your computer, especially without prior arrangement, refuse and disconnect immediately.

3. Verify Before Acting: Contact the company directly using official support numbers from their website, not the one provided by the scammer.

Stay vigilant and educate others to help combat these malicious scams. If targeted, report the incident to local authorities or consumer protection agencies.