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Hey there! Thanks for reaching out to us with your question. Tech support scams are unfortunately quite common in the USA. These scams involve fraudsters pretending to be tech support representatives from reputable companies, such as Microsoft or Apple, and tricking unsuspecting individuals into giving them access to their devices or personal information.
According to recent statistics, tech support scams are on the rise, with thousands of people falling victim to these scams every year. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that they received over 143,000 complaints related to tech support scams in 2020 alone. These scams resulted in a staggering loss of over $150 million for the victims.
Tech support scammers employ various tactics to deceive their targets. They often use scare tactics, claiming that the person's computer is infected with viruses or that their personal information has been compromised. They may also cold-call individuals or display pop-up ads on websites, warning of fictitious problems with their devices.
It's important to note that legitimate tech support companies or software providers will never initiate contact with you out of the blue or ask for remote access to your device without your explicit request. If you receive an unsolicited call or encounter a pop-up message claiming to be from tech support, it's crucial to remain vigilant and not provide any personal or financial information.
To protect yourself from falling victim to tech support scams, here are a few tips:
1. Be skeptical of unsolicited calls or messages: If someone claiming to be from tech support contacts you without your prior request, be cautious. Legitimate companies will not reach out to you in this manner.
2. Do not grant remote access to your device: Never allow someone you don't know or trust to remotely access your computer or other devices. This can give scammers the opportunity to install malware or steal your personal information.
3. Verify the legitimacy of the caller: If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from a tech support company, hang up and independently verify their identity. Look up the official contact information for the company and call them directly to confirm if the call was legitimate.
4. Install reputable security software: Use reliable antivirus and anti-malware software on your devices to help detect and prevent potential scams.
5. Educate yourself and others: Stay informed about the latest scams and share this knowledge with your friends and family. Awareness is key in preventing tech support scams.
Remember, if something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can protect yourself from falling victim to tech support scams.
If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. We're here to help!
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