Chief’s Column: Beware the tech support scam
We have received reports from residents regarding tech support scam calls. The recording indicates that there has been suspicious activity on your computer or “iCloud” account and requests that you call back immediately using the phone number provided. This is a robocall scam. In most cases, the number is active and the person who answers is a scammer. They typically ask for your account information, or your credit card information, and sometimes they ask for a remote connection to your computer/device to help fix the problem.
To help you avoid being victim to one of these scams, the Grafton Police Department would like to offer these safety tips provided by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC.)
HOW THE SCAM WORKS
· The scammers may pretend to be from a well-known tech company, such as Microsoft or Apple.
· The scammer may know your name, address and other information already.
· They use lots of technical terms to convince you that the problems with your computer are real.
· They may ask you to open some files or run a scan on your computer — and then tell you those files or the scan results show a problem…but there isn’t one.
The scammers may then
· Ask you to give them remote access to your computer which lets them access all information stored on it, and on any network connected to it
· Try to enroll you in a worthless computer maintenance or warranty program
· Install malware that gives them access to your computer and sensitive data, like user names and passwords
· Ask for credit card information so they can bill you for phony services or services available elsewhere for free
· Try to sell you software or repair services that are worthless or available elsewhere for free
· Direct you to websites and ask you to enter credit card, bank account, and other personal information
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
· If a caller says your computer has a problem, hang up. A tech support call you don’t expect is a scam —even if the number is local or looks legitimate. These scammers use fake caller ID information to look like local businesses or trusted companies.
· If you get a pop-up message to call tech support, ignore it. Some pop-up messages about computer issues are legitimate, but do not call a number or click on a link that appears in a pop-up message warning you of a computer problem.
· If you’re worried about a virus or other threat, call your security software company directly, using the phone number on its website, the sales receipt, or the product packaging. Or consult a trusted security professional.
· Never give someone your password, and don’t give remote access to your computer to someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE SCAMMED
· If you shared your password with a scammer, change it on every account that uses this password. Remember to use unique passwords for each account and service. Consider using a password manager.
· Get rid of malware. Update or download legitimate security software. Scan your computer, and delete anything the software says is a problem. If you need help, consult a trusted security professional.
· If the affected computer is connected to your network, you or a security professional should check the entire network for intrusions.
· If you bought bogus services, ask your credit card company to reverse the charges, and check your statement for any charges you didn’t approve. Keep checking your credit card statements to make sure the scammer doesn’t try to re-charge you every month. · Report the attack right away to the FTC at FTC.gov/Complaint.
Anyone with questions for the Chief’s Column may submit them by mail to the Grafton Police Department, 28 Providence Road, Grafton, MA 01519. You may also email your questions or comments to chief@graftonpolice.com. Please include an appropriate subject line, as I do not open suspicious email for obvious reasons.
Normand A. Crepeau, Jr.
Chief of Police
