A Blyth resident is hopeful his recent experience with a scammer will help prevent others from becoming victims.
The man in his 70’s reported he was nearly take for 18 thousand dollars after he got snagged up in a tech support refund scam.
The victim reported his laptop was targeted with a virus that froze up his screen in the form of a pop up window.
The tech support it asked the victim to cal was actually a lure for what’s called a refund scam.
It is when a scammer gives a refund of far too much money which lures a victim to return the owner payment.
The problem is this case it was all the victims money and did not have to be refunded.
He was alerted to the scam when he went to the bank to get a money order and the bank alerting him it was a scam.
Here are some tips on how to spot and avoid tech support scams
Most often tech support scams come in the form of a “pop-up” window and they may try to look like a trusted antivirus software company. They will want you to call a toll-free number, they will create a sense of urgency and they will threaten you that you may lose personal data if you don’t call. They will then ask for a fee for products that they want to sell you to help clean up your computer. These products range from worthless to malicious.
This is what you should do.
- If you get a phone call you didn’t expect from someone who says there’s a problem with your computer, hang up.
- If you get a pop-up warning on your computer alerting you to a security issue, even though it may look legitimate, never call the provided number to get help. Real security warnings and messages will never ask you to call a phone number.
- Do not click on any links or call a phone number.
- Don’t send any money or make a wire transfer.
- Don’t pay with a gift card.
- Don’t give anyone your bank account, credit card or other payment information.
- Don’t give anyone control of your computer.
- Keep your security software up to date.
- If you need help, contact a computer technician that you trusT
- Report the matter to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online at www.antifraudcentre.ca or by calling 1-888-495-8501.
- Tell someone about this scam, as you might help prevent someone else getting scammed.
