Tech Support Scams – Stay Alert!
Some of our colleagues have reported receiving a Microsoft Tech Support pop-up on their browser. Please be aware that these Tech Support pop-ups are SCAMS. These are not legitimate and are created to steal your information with the intent of committing financial fraud.
What are they?
These are fraudulent scams created in order to steal/compromise your personal information such as your credit card, bank information, name, phone number, email address, social media accounts and usernames and passwords. These are also created in order to lure victims into installing remote access software on their computers so that further information can be compromised.
What do they look like?
These pop ups appear on your computer screen. Scammers direct potential victims to a web page that appears to be a Microsoft tech support site. They often appear to look like they are originating from a legitimate company such as Microsoft/Apple. Additionally, often times, an audio file will be played with a voice stating that your computer has been blocked urging you to call the support number immediately to remove the infection. Please be aware that all of this has been created as a scare tactic to scare the user into believing the threat is real.
What happens when I receive these pop ups?
When you receive one, your browser and your full screen will appear to be frozen to lure you into clicking OK, calling the fraudulent phone number, and/or providing your credit card/bank information. Clicking OK or Cancel will start a loop script to bring you back to the same page. Your screen will be frozen and you will not be able to close the browser.
What to do if you receive this pop up?
If you receive this scam pop-up on your screen, your screen will be frozen.
DON’T Call the phone number on the screen
DON’T Click OK
DON’T Provide your username/password
DON’T Provide any personal information such as Credit Card or Bank Information
How to get rid of this pop up?
- Immediately, shut down your machine by holding down the physical power button on your laptop/desktop. Hold down the power button until your computer shuts down.
(Note that documents you had open may be recoverable when you open them again, however, if you did not save often while you were working on the document, you may lose the latest updates you have made to the document/s. We recommend to always save often just in case.)
- Once your computer is off, you can press the power button again to turn your computer on.
- Delete all of your browser cookies. Click Here for instructions located on our PCF Support Portal.
- Create a Support Ticket - our support team will assess your computer and walk you through performing a virus scan on your computer. You can also email us at servicedesk@pcfcorp.com.
What happens if someone calls the phone number?
If someone calls the phone number, a scammer will scare the victim into installing remote control software and malware created to steal personal information such as your credit card, bank username/password and details. The scammer will also proceed to extort a “support fee” for fixing the fake problem.
Thank you for staying alert!