Tech Support Scam

How Does it work?

You are on your computer and a pop-up occurs stating there is a virus on your computer. It provides a number to call for assistance, so you call the number for help. The unknown individual on the phone informs you that they can help but payment is needed. The unknown individual instructions you to purchase gift cards.

You visit the local retail store and purchase 2 – $500.00 VISA gift cards. You scratch the codes on the back and send a picture to the unknown individual assisting you.

The unknown individual tells you they can still fix it, they just need further payment. You continue to buy gift cards each time the unknown individual instructs you which becomes more frequent over several days.

Common Tactics

(1) Unknown individual has a foreign accent.
(2) Unknown individual asks you to stay on the phone while purchasing gift cards.
(3) Unknown individual calls frequently asking for updates.
(4) Gift card information sent to unknown individual.

Where’s the Fraud?

Gift cards should never be purchased for a type of payment. The unknown individual has persuaded you to use your own funds for their benefit.

Red Flags

(1) Gift cards purchased to make a payment.

(2) Frequent phone calls

(3) Continued promises to fix computer

Next Steps

(1) If you receive a pop-up on your computer, close the box and have a local computer company check your computer.

(2) Do not buy any gift cards for payment.

(3) Stop communicating with the unknown individual.

(4) Communicate with your financial institution if account information was compromised.