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SCAM ALERT

Tech-support scammers try to scare people into believing there is something wrong with their computers so they can remotely access machines to steal personal and financial information.

It’s a bait-and-switch scheme that starts with a pop-up warning on your screen that looks like it’s from a well-known company and urges people to call a phone number for help.

Once the call is made, a scammer asks for remote access to the personal computer and then, he or she can use key logger programs—which are a type of spyware that can record every keystroke made on a device— to steal passwords, credit-card information and bank and other financial account information.

To protect themselves, people need to verify that phone numbers or website links are legitimate. Use unique and strong passwords, as well as multifactor authentication to add a second layer of security.

How to Protect Devices

• Scan devices using antivirus software that removes malware immediately.

• Change passwords and review all account statements for unauthorized activity.

People who believe they may be a victim of an online scam (regardless of dollar amount) should file a complaint with the FBI Internet Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

The more often fraud and scams are reported, the better equipped law enforcement can be to address the issues.

To report tech support fraud, be as descriptive as possible in the complaint:

• Identify information about the criminal and company, including websites, phone numbers and e-mail addresses used.

• Include account names and numbers, and financial institutions receiving any funds (e.g., bank accounts, wire transfers, prepaid card payments, virtual currency wallets) even if the funds were not actually lost.

• Describe the interaction with the criminal, the e-mail, website or link that caused a pop-up or locked screen.

• Keep original documentation, e-mails, faxes, and logs of all communications.

Victims are also advised to report incidents to their bank, brokerage and credit-card companies, and credit-rating firms.

—from www.FBI.gov