Fake Customer Support

Avoiding Scams Masquerading as Customer Support

Fake customer support scams involve fraudsters pretending to represent legitimate companies to steal personal or financial information. These scams often target users experiencing issues with their devices, accounts, or services, offering bogus solutions for a fee or access to sensitive data.

Things to Be Careful About:

Unsolicited Calls: Scammers often contact you unexpectedly, claiming to be from a reputable company.
Requests for Remote Access: Fraudsters may ask you to install software to "fix" an issue but use it to steal data.
Demands for Payment: Scammers may require upfront fees for fake troubleshooting or premium services.
Unverified Contact Details: Fake support often uses unofficial numbers or websites to appear credible.
Generic Greetings: Genuine support typically addresses you by name, while scammers use vague salutations.

Actions You Can Take:

Contact Official Support: Reach out to companies directly through their official website or verified phone numbers.
Verify Credentials: Ask questions and check the representative’s legitimacy before sharing information.
Do Not Grant Remote Access: Avoid installing software or giving remote access unless you initiated the contact with verified support.
Refuse Upfront Payments: Genuine companies do not demand payment for resolving basic issues.
Report the Scam: Notify the company being impersonated and relevant authorities about the fake support attempt.

Fake customer support scams exploit trust and confusion, but by staying vigilant and verifying contacts, you can protect yourself and your information. Always prioritise official communication channels for resolving issues.