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5 tell-tale signs of a tech support scam
23 October 2023
In a tech support scam, criminals trick you into believing that you require a repair for your software or device. Some scammers may try to charge a fee to “fix” the non-existent problem and others will attempt to steal your personal or financial data, or even try to access your network in order to deploy ransomware.
Don’t become the next victim of a tech support scam. Here are five tell-tale signs of tech support scams, along with helpful information for what to do if you find yourself under attack.
If this happens…
You get an unexpected call from someone claiming to be tech support (Be Aware! Some scammers have tools to generate fake caller IDs).
You get an error message asking you to call a number urgently.
Your tech support contact asks you to pay them to fix your “problems” with cryptocurrency or gift cards.
Your support technician asks you to download software from an email or third-party website.
Tech support asks you for your password or other private, sensitive data.
Remember
Most support providers do not make unsolicited tech support phone calls. They won’t call you to offer tech support if you don’t reach out first.
Microsoft error messages never include phone numbers. The Microsoft Edge browser blocks known support scam sites using Microsoft Defender Smart Screen.
Legitimate support technicians will advise you of possible fees before they deliver service. And if a payment is required, it will never be in the form of gift cards or cryptocurrency like Bitcoin.
You should always be able to download software from an official website or app store. All Microsoft software can be downloaded from Microsoft’s official website.
Tech support never asks for your password, social security number, or other personal data.
Further Information
If you have any questions about how to keep your organisation safe from phishing attacks, or would like more information about how to keep your organisation protected, then please contact the GCC Group Support Team on 0345 260 1151 or servicedesk@gccgroup.co.uk
GCC Security Services
The threats to businesses are not only increasing in number, but also in sophistication. GCC Security Services ensures your business is protected and can stay productive no matter what happens.
GCC Security Packs
Last year alone Microsoft blocked more than 70 billion email and identity threat attacks.
Source: Microsoft, 2023.
To help protect organisations, GCC have developed a range of ‘Security Packs’:
- GCC Security Base Pack
- GCC Security Pro Pack
- GCC Security Pro Plus Pack
Each pack adopts the latest Microsoft technologies, and other cloud-based services to manage, monitor and protect an organisation’s IT infrastructure & data.
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