Tech support scams on the rise; local expert provides key red flags

Local officials say scammers often pose as tech companies to gain remote access and demand payment for fake repairs.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – As online scams continue to target consumers, local agencies marked Safer Internet Day this week by warning people about common tech support fraud schemes designed to steal money and personal information.

Tech support scammers often use alarming phone calls, emails and fake pop-up messages to falsely claim a computer has a virus or security issue. Better Business Bureau of Central Georgia President and CEO Kelvin Collins says their main goal is to get money for unnecessary services or gain access to personal software.

“Typically what happens when they get remote access, is they’ll go in and show you some of the registry files that should be on your computer, and they’ll say, ‘See all this? That’s malware. We need to get that off your computer.’ Then they delete it. Then your computer doesn’t work right, then they charge you to repair it.”

He says people should be cautious of alarming calls claiming to be from tech support companies like Apple or Microsoft, adding that legitimate companies will not call customers about software viruses.

“If you’ve ever had to call any of these companies, you know that they don’t just sit around and wait for you to call, and they’re not proactively going to call you,” he said. “So, when you see those names be sure that you step back and say, ‘Okay, would Apple actually be calling me or popping something up on my screen making me call them?'”

To help prevent these scams, Collins recommends installing reliable virus protection software.

“There are some virus protections you can get,” he said. “Norton, McAfee, several like that; they will prevent a lot of the pop-ups. Don’t click on links you’re not familiar with and just do a virus scan from time to time. Even though you’ve got it set to do automatic virus scans, go ahead and do a full scan from time to time.”

If you believe you have experienced a tech support scam, contact the Better Business Bureau or your local law enforcement agency.