Lowell-The Indiana State Police have received reports of the Tech Pop-Up Support Scam rearing its ugly head again.
If you receive a random tech support pop-up while surfing the net and it is asking you to call a phone number to fix your computer, then your machine is infected with an adware or potentially unwanted program.
These are usually acquired when someone has added and installed another free software that had bundled into their installation this adware program. This tech support scam will state that your computer is infected and that you need to call a telephone number immediately. That it is strongly advised that you call the number provided and get your computer fixed before you continue using the internet, especially shopping. Once they have you on the phone they may ask for money to be sent to them so you can download “their software” to protect your computer or even ask for your password etc. to gain access and take your computer over remotely which leaves your computer vulnerable, stealing sensitive data.
TIPS:
- Don’t give control of your computer to a third party who calls you out of blue or from a pop-up
- Do not rely on caller ID alone-Criminals spoof caller ID numbers. They may appear to be calling from a legitimate company or a local number, when they’re not even in the same country as you.
- Never provide your credit card or financial information to someone who calols and claims to be from tech support
- Call your security software company directly if in doubt and ask for help
- Never give your password on the phone. No legitimate organization calls you or sends you a pop-up and asks for your password
- If you paid for bogus services with a credit card, call your credit card provider and ask to reverse the charges.
- If you believe someone may have accessed your personal or financial information, visit the Federal Trade Commission identity theft website https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0014-identity-theft. You can minimize your risk of further damage and problems.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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