Protect Yourself from Technical Support Scams

With so many people relying on the internet, particularly as we have seen an increase of people working or learning remotely, the number of technology support scams are on the rise.

Technical support scams are a world-wide industry issue where scammers may call their victim and use scare tactics to trick them into unnecessary technical support services that supposedly will ‘fix’ a contrived technological or software problem in an effort to steal people’s money, personal and financial information.

How the scam works?

You receive an out of the blue call from a scammer claiming to be a representative of a tech company such as Telstra, Microsoft, NBN or Amazon telling you that your computer or internet connection is compromised and they need to fix it.

The caller will ask for remote access to your computer or mobile device and it’s likely they will create a sense of urgency by claiming your computer/mobile device has a virus and you stand to lose data. They may use technical language such as hacking to intimidate you into following their instructions.

This scam can also come in the form of a pop-up window appearing on your computer or Mobile device. The message usually states that there’s been a virus detected on the device and prompts the victim to call a number displayed on the screen right away to have the virus removed.

What happens next?

The caller convinces you to either install an application or allow remote access to your computer. They then infect your computer with malicious software and viruses. The caller claims they are able to fix the problem however a fee for this service will need to be paid on the spot.

Why do they do it?

These scams play on people’s fears to get access to their computers or mobile devices and to steal their money, personal and financial information.

Take action!

• If you receive a phone call out of the blue about your computer and remote access, or hacking it’s a scam, just hang up!
• Never allow anyone to remotely access your computer or mobile device
• Never click on a pop-up message purporting to be from technical support or call the phone number listed in a pop-up message
• If you get a pop-up message and your computer freezes, shut down your computer and restart it.

If you believe you’ve been scammed please advise our staff, and report it via the Australian Cyber Security Centre & seek support Contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160 or via www.idcare.org.