Tech Support Fraud deliberately takes advantage of the old and the vulnerable.
This is a type of fraud which exploits the fact that many in society find technology and the systems around it difficult to navigate.
A typical tech support fraud will see a scammer telephone someone to say that they need access to their computer to carry out emergency repairs.
The fraudsters are incredibly convincing and tend to target elderly computer users who are less familair with how technology works.
They deliberately cause panic in their victim and convince them that they are helping them.
Having been given access to victim’s computer, tablet or phone, they will very often access their bank account to withdraw money.
It is often not until the money has been withdrawn by the fraudster that the victim realises that they have been scammed.
Tech Support Fraud is very common and causes huge amounts of upset and we are always keen to reassure our clients that it is not their fault.
Another common way that fraudsters can access your technology is through pop-up ;warnings’ on your device’s screen.
These ‘warnings’ encourage users to call a phone number for help which are then answered by a scammer. They may also ask you to click on a link.
Again, these scammers then try to gain access to your device and bank accounts to allow them to steal your money.
If you are the victim of a Tech Support Fraud we are here to help you recover your money.
Our lawyers are incredibly understanding and help victims of tech support scams recover their money as quickly as possible.
How do I avoid becoming a Tech Support Fraud victim?
There are two very simple warnings to remember when it comes to making sure you are not a victim of tech support fraud.
No reputable firm will call you to warn you that you have a problem with your computer, tablet or phone.
If someone does call you out-of-the-blue it is almost certain to be a scam. Do not be afraid to put the phone down immediately. You can simply say: ‘I do not accept cold calls’ and click the caller off. Do not get into conversation with these people as they are incredibly convincing and may be able to persuade you to give them access to your computer.
Very often people who receive these calls find them upsetting but remember that they are trying it on with you and will quickly move on to the next potential victim. If you are feeling upset or unsure after the phone call contact a close friend or family member for reassurance.
Pop-up warning windows on computers, phones and tablets are only used by scammers.
If a warning appears on your device with a pop-up screen that you should close down the page immediately. These ‘warnings’ are deliberately designed to cause you alarm and panic you into clicking on them. No reputable technology would use such an alarmist technique to try to rush you into taking action.
If a pop-up has appeared it is worth running a virus scan on a computer to help prevent them appearing again. Also, do not revisit a page that has created a ‘warning’ pop-up.