Tech support scams are on the rise, and falling for one can be a frightening experience. Scammers use fear and urgency to manipulate you into giving them access to your computer, phone, and even your bank account. Common scare tactics include falsely claiming that illegal activities, like accessing child pornography or financial crimes, have been detected on your devices. It’s all a lie designed to panic you into compliance.
If this has happened to you, don’t panic. Take a deep breath, and follow these steps to regain control.
Step 1: Disconnect and Secure Your Devices
The first thing you should do is cut off the scammer’s access:
- Disconnect from the Internet immediately by turning off Wi-Fi or unplugging your Ethernet cable.
- Power down your devices to prevent any further tampering.
How Geeks.Online Can Help
Our experts can guide you through safely disconnecting, assessing the damage, and securing your devices.
Step 2: Notify Your Bank and Credit Card Providers
If the scammers accessed your financial information:
- Contact your bank and credit card companies to report the fraud and freeze your accounts.
- Dispute unauthorized transactions and request new cards.
- Set up alerts for transactions to monitor your accounts closely.
Step 3: Change Your Passwords
Scammers may attempt to access other accounts using the passwords they’ve stolen.
- Start with critical accounts like banking, email, and social media.
- Create strong, unique passwords that use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) wherever possible.
How Geeks.Online Can Help
We can help you create and manage secure passwords and enable 2FA for added protection.
Step 4: Scan and Clean Your Devices
Scammers often install malware or spyware to maintain access:
- Use trusted antivirus software to perform a deep scan and remove any threats.
- If malware is suspected, consider reinstalling your operating system to eliminate all risks.
How Geeks.Online Can Help
Our team specializes in malware removal, system recovery, and secure OS reinstallation.
Step 5: Notify Authorities
Reporting the scam is an essential step in protecting yourself and others:
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at FTC.gov/Complaint.
- Report the incident to local authorities, especially if explicit threats or accusations were made.
- Alert your bank’s fraud department with details of the scam.
How Geeks.Online Can Help
We can provide documentation about how your devices were compromised to assist with your reports.
Step 6: Monitor Your Accounts
Keep a close eye on your financial and personal accounts:
- Check your credit reports regularly at AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Freeze your credit with major bureaus like Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
Step 7: Warn Your Network
If the scammer accessed your email or social media accounts:
- Notify your contacts to be cautious of suspicious messages pretending to be from you.
- Be extra cautious of phishing emails that scammers may use to target you again.
How Geeks.Online Can Help
We can help secure your accounts and block unauthorized access to your email and social media.
Step 8: Stay Educated and Vigilant
Education is your best defense against future scams:
- Learn to recognize scam tactics, especially fear-based methods like threats of illegal activity.
- Install trusted security tools such as firewalls, password managers, and anti-malware software.
How Geeks.Online Can Help
We’ll recommend and set up the tools you need to stay protected.
Step 9: Seek Professional Assistance
Recovering from a tech support scam can feel overwhelming. Don’t go it alone.
- Our team at Geeks.Online specializes in securing your devices, recovering from scams, and protecting your digital life.
How Geeks.Online Can Help
We’ll handle everything from malware removal to training you on how to avoid future scams.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Panic Rule
Scammers thrive on urgency and fear. Recognize their tactics for what they are—empty threats designed to manipulate you. By staying calm and following the steps above, you can minimize the damage and take back control.
If you’ve been a victim of a tech support scam, Geeks.Online is here to help. Call us at 1-800.Geeks.Online or Contact Us for expert assistance. We’ll help you get back on track and ensure your digital security moving forward.