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Tech Support Scam

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Tech Support Scam Reports & Reviews (88)

- Chalfont, PA, USA • Jan 31, 2024

On 01/17/24/ my wife's phone kept reporting that there was a problem with her Microsoft email account. Since we are both elderly and not very tech savvy, we contacted who we thought was Microsoft Tech Support. However, it turned out that it to be someone from WEBMICRO LLC. The person we spoke with said our firewall had been hacked and showed us a supposed list of numbers he said were the IP addresses that did it. Then he loaded software into my wife's PC to repair the firewall and connected us to another technician who said he was from Quickhelp24-7 to fix the email account. The Quickhelp24-7 technician told us that he fixed our email problem, and we would have to purchase a 2-year Help contract if we wanted to keep the fixes he put in. And all the time he never asked us if we wanted him to fix it or how much it would cost he just did it and then told us we had to buy a 2-year contract for $529.00.

Then he turned on my wife's PC camera and took my picture without asking for permission. He said it was insurance in case we didn't immediately pay the $529.00 with a credit or debit card. Well, we said we weren't giving him those numbers. Then he said we could send him a personal check immediately to this address: WEBMICRO LLC, PO BOX 734205, ATLANTA, GA 31139. He also said if I failed to send the check right **** he would remove the software the WEBMICRO LLC tech installed (SONICWARE 3600) and the software he installed (Quickhelp24-7).

When I took the check to the US Post Office in ********, PA to send it Priority OverNite, as he directed, the Postmaster told me there was no such PO Box number and that it was a known SCAM. He said it was a scam to get me to send another check to cover the first check that got lost.

With that in mind, I immediately had the software previously installed, the Sonicware 3600 and the Quickhelp24-7 software, removed from the PC, on 01/18/24.

The veery next day, we started receiving phone calls from the BILLING TEAM asking if I had sent the check? They also said they had discovered another problem that should be fixed right **** and that it would probably be an additional cost. But, when I said NO and told them I knew it was all a scam they warned me they would take out all the fixes they had installed if I failed to pay. Which I haven't done!

I also tried to cancel my supposed contract, real or fictitious, by sending an email, as directed by Webmicro's guidelines, to [email protected] but received a "unable to deliver message" report with a reason of "Relay access denied". The contact phone number also did not work!

I would have lost $529.00 initially and probably more later if the Postmaster hadn't warned me that it was a scam. I think everyone reading this needs to be careful about clicking on web pages appearing to be Microsoft Support because scammers get into your PC just moments after answering their phone.

- Lexington, NC, USA • Jan 20, 2024

The person said he needed to access my Facebook page because he could secure it from being hacked. I was not comfortable wit this but allowed him to put the AnyDeskTop Remote on it. He can look at personal information after I read about the app. He even said I could call the Better Business Bureau if I had a question. The number I called is not the same as others I have seen. Then I read about someone else who had contacted Facebook with the same thing. I believe it is a scam and I want any possible information off my phone. Thank you.

- Pottstown, PA, USA • Jan 16, 2024

I was having a problem with one of my apps so i reached out by phone i got off the internet associating with the app. I then called they asked me to download this anydesk app . So i did. As they claimed they were helping with my problem they went into my cash app and stole my money from that card. Proceeding to then get into my wells fargo account i recieved an alert from bank. I then realized i got a notify for my cash app. When i questioned them the call was disconnected. I called 3 other times asking for a manager to be told hold on and then disconnected. I have reached out a 4th time for a man to tell me its fune he will recover my money to then try to take more. Shut them down

- Folcroft, PA, USA • Jan 11, 2024

Received an alert my computer was infected with a virus, did a scan and was told I need to update my protection. The link sends me to a separate software TotalAV while this alert continued to populate. I contact this TotalAV they tell me it's another software and that's not their issue. I am receiving alerts my comp is being hacked.

- Lorton, VA, USA • Dec 29, 2023

Received a call from the number identified as 605-549-2034, with a location of South Dakota. Person attempted to get me to conduct a Multifactor Authentication by using my phone number. They sent me a request for a validation code, but I declined and said I would do it myself through the website directly. They promptly suggested I should call the 800 support number should I need any additional help. I did provide my full name initially but after suspecting it was a scam, I refused any other information.

- Bethlehem, PA, USA • Nov 20, 2023

Received an email in my inbox saying:

We apologize for the inconvenience, but we are here to inform you that you have been charged $ 292.40 for your GS-Tech 24 subscription, which is scheduled to be automatically renewed today.

Order overview:

A/C Type: Personal PC

Item Name : GS-Tech 24

User : O2-PC

period : 24 months

Product key : GS24yrRegMUT4

Grand Total : $ 292.40

Mode of payment: Online

Did not order this. Checked ScamPulse.com and saw phone number listed in email was a scam.

- Fort Collins, CO, USA • Nov 18, 2023

The scammer initially sent an email on September 29 that said my norton subscription was about to renew for over $400. They mentioned an exact amount, but I don't have that email anymore. After I forwarded it to info@ wynco.bbb.org, I can no longer find it in my email.

I was so angry at the amount, I clicked on the link to a phone number to cancel my subscription. The guy that answered was from Hong Kong, but I didn't realize that at first. I told him I was fed up with all the popups from Norton and had someone from Hello tech cancel it and remove it from my computer, but he wasn't successful and Norton was still popping up. Hello tech did download and install a new security program.

The scammer told me he had access to my bank account because I was paying for Norton that way. I think he had my checking account number, but I may have been tricked into giving that to him also.

He said I would have to give him access to the computer to remove all of the Norton.

At some point, I believe he asked me to type in $100. ( I don't remember why) When I tried to type in the amount, he said to not use decimal points. Then he took over my computer and changed the amount to 100,000 that was being sent to me.

He said I made the mistake, and if I didn't return the extra, they would issue a warrant for my arrest.

He sent a message that said it was a non- active warrant and it would be active if they didn't correct the error.

Then he told me I needed to wire the money to BBB/hc (for Hong Kong)

He later said I only needed to wire 80000 and they would get the other 20000 later.

When he told me I needed to lie to my bank and tell them I knew this person in Hong Kong, I finally realized it was a scam. I hung up on him and called my bank. The scammer tried to call me several more times and left a voicemail. I still have the phone records.

When I talked to my bank, they said the scammer was able to transfer my 80000 from savings to checking, but no money left my bank. The bank rep transferred the money back, and gave me new checking and savings accounts. I also changed my passwords.

I had best buy remove the scammer from my computer.

The next day, (Sept 30) I got a legitimate email from Norton that said my renewal would be about $150.

I'm sorry it took so long to report this on your scam website, but this mess put me way behind schedule and I was already too busy. But I did contact you and had been corresponding with "Wynco" beginning Sept 29, forwarded the initial email to her and the Non-active Warrant letter.

- Mount Arlington, NJ, USA • Nov 09, 2023

I called this (844)-457-1420 number I found on LINKEDIN after being hacked on Facebook and Instagram on Sunday. 11/5/2023.

A man with a heavy accent answered like he was at home. I told him my problem. He was coughing and had trouble communicating amidst his heavy accents. He asked me to download an app to my laptop. I asked why. He said he must see what the problem is. I said how do I know you're not a hacker too? He started coughing and I hung up. The site he asked I download is https://www.ultraviewer.net/en/ so he can remotely SCAM ME....he didn't identify his name or if he was working at FACEBOOK!

DO NOT BOTHER. THIS IS ANOTHER SCAM!!!

- Brooklyn, NY, USA • Nov 07, 2023

Shane Johnson from Envision Securities, a firewall company, claimed I had viruses needing to be cleaned up and took control of my computer. After working on it, he said it was cleaned and that I should check my online banking while online with me. He got my User ID and my Password. I notified the bank and they froze my account. A technician cleaned my computer and I changed my PW yesterday 11/6/23. There was another PW in Password Manager that was not mine. I logged in again and that fraudulent PW was still there. I was able to get into my account from it. I deleted it from PW manager. I am not sure how much money was stolen from me at this time.

- Newtown, PA, USA • Oct 25, 2023

They offered a data repair service which was recommended through HP and Microsoft. Initially it was fixed fot 300, then they called to do a recheck and said the extended service would be 1100. Now they wanted more money to fix it again but backed off when i said i would call a lawyer

- Roanoke, VA, USA • Oct 18, 2023

Said I was due a refund and tried to get my banking info to give me the refund. When I wouldn’t give that they asked me to log into my banking account while they were logged onto my computer

- Laramie, WY, USA • Oct 13, 2023

A message appeared on the computer stating my computer was compromised from a virus with a number disguised as a Microsoft number. They stated that my computer had been hacked but they could fix it for free. After remotely accessing my computer and “fixing” it 5 hours later they stated I needed to update my SSL certificate and I needed to update it with a check. Realizing this was for web owners I stated I would call them back in the morning. They then stated they would shut down my computer unless I paid them for their work. I immediately shut off my computer and shut off my internet. I tried calling all their numbers back but got messages that they could not be reached.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA • Sep 14, 2023

They was supposed to help me with transferring peacock to my tv.

Instead they asked me for my personal information said that I had a refund owed to me.

- Omaha, NE, USA • Sep 13, 2023

Was calling internet provider about wi-fi signal on work desktop computer signing company phone on. Called number that was written down as contact phone number to the internet provider and when representative answered explained twice to them that was calling about internet signal with the cable company the representative continues to ask name dob address. After taking my information they were asked about why service was off and phone was onthey hung up. Waited a few minutes and found cable bi

Wasnt advised by the representative they weren't the company that was identified when calling about internet router failing and lighting phone on the desk top. Re-explained the issue and said the reason and purpose for the call. Was foreign talking representative.

- Kensington, MD, USA • Sep 13, 2023

I found my printer unresponsive, called the current IPsupport security co I had used last year and I was told it was a virus affecting my network and printer. I believed them but I think they were taking advantage of my inexperience & age. they supposedly had to replace "drivers" added i cloud storage without explaining why and how much it would cost. I think they provided the virus to get my money and then fixed the problem. the virus should not have been there if they had been monitoring since I paid last year for that service. I paid the 1st installment but spoke with my intelligent daughter and she advised what she could find thru better business bureau and scampulse that they were a fraudulent co and advised me to contact my bank, which I did-they researched through their fraud unit and said it was fraud and put the check/money back into my account , closed the account and opened me another account. I feel they are untrustworthy. I cannot find a website business listing for them. I have blocked their calls .

- Brooklyn, NY, USA • Sep 06, 2023

Date of the Incident: Sunday, September 3, 2023

I was using my laptop computer when I got several pop-up alert messages from Microsoft emphasizing that the computer has been exposed to corruption. There was also a message specifying not to close the pop-ups or to turn off the computer but to call the number posted on the screen. I spoke with a Technician Name - Trend Merchant. This technician sounded very convincing. He asked for my specific age because I sounded very young. He explained to me that the company he works for is contracted to fix technical issues like mine. He explained that the reason my computer was corrupted by scammers is that my network protection coverage expired. He said my network with which I'm accessing the Wi-fi is corrupted. He accessed my computer and showed me a list of foreign hackers and presented me with the charge to fix the technical issues on my computer. The technician also referred me to a female representative to discuss I reluctantly accessed my bank website, logged in and went to 'bill pay' to process the technical order with the technician. I never used the 'Bill Pay' feature through my bank before. He stated that he needs to input the information to process the bill pay invoice. He needed to receive the confirmation number for the company's records. After the order was processed, he went into my email and sent an email to me with the following message: * ***** ***** authorized the payment of $435.00 USD from my bill payment towards the Ultimate store & opted for the services.

My issues have been resolved and I am satisfied with the services

Thanks & Regards

Sonia Adams

The email was done so quickly that I didn't get to question him about it before hand. The technician transferred me to a man name Peter to complete the process of correcting the tech issues in my computer.

Peter and Trend Merchant used the notepad to input the following notes:

Support Id :- G72268

Support Number :- 1-518-641-1333 / 1-315-757-0469 (10:30am - 7:30pm EST)

Company Name :- Quick Help 24*7

EMAIL :- [email protected]

Website :- Quickhelp24-7.com

Services :- Fix+1 Year Security+Technical Support+All Devices

Merchant Name :- Ultimate store

Amount :- $435.00 USD

Mode :- Bill Pay

Technician Name - Trend Merchant

After the transaction was completed and the technical issues were completed, I received an email notification that the email that Trend Merchant sent through me email wasn't delivered. I checked the website, and I received a message stating the website status is risky. I eventually logged into my banking account and deleted the Bill Pay transaction.

Monday, September 4, 2023

The company attempted to contact me via telephone, but I declined the call and blocked their number on my cellphone. The number is 254-294-5623 (Texas). I also received an email requesting feedback, which I didn’t reply to.

Tuesday, September 4, 2023 – Wednesday, September 5, 2023

A technical support agent contacted me by telephone and left a voice message requesting feedback about my computer service. I didn’t call back.

• Aug 19, 2023

The saleslady acted very suspiciously, gave very little information, sent no receipt & no email followup. I had no problems with my MacBook Pro prior to its being locked by this company, Connected-pros. This sale of $199.90 is pending and I have disputed it at my bank. They took control of my MacBook Pro and downloaded and left software on it.

• Aug 19, 2023

Took control of my computer. Locked me out then asked me to go to target or Walmart to buy gift cards.

• Aug 16, 2023

I had viruses and malware on my computer and they said they could fix it for me, they than got on my computer changed alot of stuff including taking my computer out of S mode. They than put on my screen stating that I was doing illegal stuff on my computer and needed me to check all my credit cards and bank accounts on the screen to see who has been using my cards and they said to use the one wtih the most money. I than started questioning them as I did use one card with the least amount and than got out of it right away. They than started to threating me about illegal activity and the said I was doing porn and child porn and other illegal activity, they even put porn pictures up on my screen to show me and now I am utterly traumatized by these scammers so I said I was going to call the police and I was going to call the main office of microsoft and talk to them. I finally looked up their number and it didnt even give me a website so I knew at that point I was being scammed They hung up on me so I called back and got a different person and was told the same thing and this time I hung up and googled Microsoft and called that number. Than I got someone actually working for microsoft to verify I was being scammed. The first person I talked to she said her name was Luna Martin and gave me her reference number #Ms110392 and a FCC (federal communications commisions #FCC199326. The other person I talked to wouldnt give me any information but kept telling me I was in illegal trouble and needed to pay $379.00 to fix my computer. This has been the worst experience I have ever had with a computer.

• Aug 14, 2023

I have used Webroot antivirus for years with no problems. I purchased a new computer and wanted to transfer my Webroot subscription to it. I added the code to my new computer and then tried to access My Account through Webroot but was not able to do so. After I entered my info, it said it was not valid. Then, I immediately got a call from 805-669-3501. The call came about the same time I questioned if this was even Webroot. As a result, I told the guy I didn't need his help right now and hung up.

I then tried calling what I think was the correct Webroot number and was told that they did show my information but under a different email address. I believe I tried entering that information but a password reset never came through.

I then called Best Buy's Geek Squad and made an appointment for the next morning. That rep's attempts to also failed after trying all of my email addresses, so we called Webroot's 866#. The Webroot representative was very helpful and confirmed that my account was still connected to the email address I had been given the day before over the phone. He sent several password reset emails, but none came through. We asked him to change the email address on my account. He did so and tried sending more password reset messages but none came through. He then said that sometimes it takes up to 24 hours for them to come through. As a result, I decided to just wait.

By the time I got home from Best Buy, an email had come through to the original account. I decided to wait to see if one would come through to my other updated email address. 24 hours later I had not received any more emails from them, so I clicked on the link on the email I did receive. I was still not able to get in, but my attempt to do so generated a call from someone at an 806 area code.

This guy pretended to be with Webroot. I thought his voice sounded like the agent I had spoken with the day before, so I said his name and he indicated that I was him. (I really don't know if it was or not at this point.) Later, he claimed to be with a company that he said worked closely with Webroot. He said he could tell from his end that there were issues with my computer that needed to be addressed. Normally I would never have given him any information or access to my computer, but I thought this was legitimate as his call was in response to an email I believed to have been from Webroot.

He pulled up what looked like a directory of codes showing supposed active connections to my computer. He said one was in NY and another I believe he claimed was overseas. He also pulled up a long list of files that he claimed to be from porn sites that someone had downloaded to my computer. He said he could help me and would give me the information. Looking back on it now, I find it interesting that he never did speak the prices out loud but typed them on my computer. He said it would be $199.99 just to remove the files and then $299 to include protection for a year or two, $399 for an extra year of protection and $499 for a lifetime protection including a lifetime Webroot subscription.

I muted my phone and went to talk to my husband about it. You said to do whatever I thought to ensure our protection.

Anyway, I unfortunately told him I would go with the lifetime plan and even ended up giving the guy our router ID and Mac number, thinking that this would protect us.

The guy I talked to said he had changed the Webroot account information on my computer, and even though it now showed 200+ days, my initial subscription would expire on Oct 6 but they would extend it annually.

It wasn't until a day later when I realized that all of this seemed suspect and that I really needed to check on this further to verify that it was legitimate.

I called the 866# for Webroot on 8/11/23. The gal I spoke with said that they are not affiliated with any other companies and their only website address is webroot.com. (The website link that had been on the email I had received two days prior and prompted the call from the apparent scammers was webrooranywhere.com.) She said there was a record of me talking to the initial rep on 8/9, but she did not have any notes of anything up until the time I called her. She also said that they are in no way affiliated with Helpful Consultants. I gave her the new Webroot account number that I had been given, and she gave me the name of the guy it was assigned to. It is someone I don't know and I'm guessing probably doesn't even exist. She recommended that I immediately turn my computer off, contact my internet provider to get a new router, and have a system restore done on my computer.

I immediately unplugged my internet router and took it to my provider and exchanged it for a new one. I then called Best Buy to make an appointment for the next morning with the Geek Squad. That Geek Squad tech opened my computer and pulled up 330+ (339?) files that these guys had downloaded to my computer the day before. He removed all the files and everything suspicious that was attached to my computer. I also had him remove Webroot.

Yesterday, 8/12, I went to Best Buy and had another Geek Squad agent double-checked my computer and installed Norton AntiVirus on it. I also left my husband's laptop with them so they could remove any corrupt files from that or do a system restore if necessary.

I did contact my bank's fraud department on 8/11 to report this and said I would be disputing at least all but $199 the charges - but the whole thing if the files were on my computer. I called back yesterday to give them an update and told them I am disputing all charges as this is most certainly a scam and they actually downloaded files to my laptop.

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