Sign in  

Tech Support Scam

Sharing is caring! Are you having problems with Tech Support Scam? Use ScamPulse to file a complaint.

Tech Support Scam Reports & Reviews (109)

Report

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.

Useful
Reply
Report

India in dialact. I don't believe they were based in US. Trying to say I need to pay for a firewall security to make my router work

Useful
Reply
Report

Got an email with an invoice for $443. I called the number provided to me and they wanted me to log into my computer to cancel this service. I refused and hung up.

Useful
Reply
Report

Got emails

Want to clean my iPhone

[email protected]

I did not open it to find out more information

Useful
Reply
Report

While searching the internet for information, my laptop gave a very loud warning that suspicious trojan malware had been received from a corrupt/infected website. Initially, I thought it was a warning from Microsoft, but was unable to shut down and restart the laptop unless the phone number on the screen was called. The screen gave a warning the laptop would be disabled if I shut it down. I called the number on the screen where an employee immediately asked for access to my laptop to see what had happened. Before service could continue, I was given options of service plans to add 'security' to the laptop.

For whatever reason, my personal credit card was declined. I used the business credit card instead. Before the call ended on Saturday afternoon, June 24th, 2023, I was told I would be receiving a call Monday morning, June 26th to see if there were any problems.

On Sunday afternoon, June 25th, I received a call from my credit card company reporting suspicious fraud. I explained the card had been denied, and used a different credit card.

Monday morning, June 26th, the scheduled call didn't take place until two hours after the scheduled time. I was informed the security that had been added wasn't effective, and that a refund would need to be issued. BUT, it couldn't be removed from the credit card that had been used, that they wanted bank information to send it to the account directly. When I explained the card used is a business credit card, they wanted access to another credit card or bank account. I declined to give them any additional information.

They will be calling back Tuesday morning, June 27th to schedule the 'refund'. I'm rather skeptical of this since it sounds suspicious they can't remove the charge from the credit card.

Useful
Reply
- Harrisburg, PA, USA
Report

Software technician was impersonating a person from a legitimate company. Took control of my laptop using AnyDesk software and said you now have unlimited updates and free technical support on product. He was not authorized to do so-it was a scam.

Useful
+1
Reply
- Lafayette, LA, USA
Report

Rcv'd email from an email claiming to be Geeksquad LLC sending an invoice to renew services. We called the number in the email, who accesses our bank account and manipulates the screen to make it look like the credited too much money. They they ask us to go to the bank to send their money back to the following:

Blue Ridge Bank

Account Number: 8761255859

Routing Number: 051402372

I immediately went to the bank, locked the accounts, and opened new ones. I did not send money to the alleged business.

Account Name: MatrixCommerce Connections, Inc

Bank Address: 1 East Market Street, Matinsville, Virginia 24112

Account Holder's Address: 117 South Lexington Street, Harrisonville, MO, 64701

Useful
Reply
- Conshohocken, PA, USA
Report

My Facebook account was hacked. I did chrome to ask how can i get Facebook back.

Ask tech.com came up. I was not thinking when they did it thru bitcoin and took my money. I tried 3 times to contact them, they answered then after a little bit of time they just hung up. I filed fraudulent charges with my bank and gave them the phone number.

Useful
Reply
- Brandon, FL, USA
Report

I got internet big warning message that my computer will not work, and to not shut down my computer or all info on my computer will be lost. Message said call Microsoft at this number which I wrote down 1-888-237-8072. I called that number and person said this was Microsoft and would help me fix this warning problem about my not working computer. Of course I now know this was not a Mircosoft number, but someone who wanted to scam me. They said we need to take over my computer to check this out. I thought it was Microsoft, so I let them do it. The person said I was being hacked from China and if I paid $399 to this company Devine Mart they would fix the problem and that this is a life time security fee. They wanted for me to mail them a check for $399 and make it out to Devein Mart 3135 1st Ave North Suite 11104 St Petersburg, Florida. I said I will mail it the next day, so they told me they would fix my computer problem. They had access to my computer and put some files on my computer and they said this would fix the problem. After thinking about the fact they never sent an e-mail to me about me using their Tech Help service, I checked on this Devine Mart company and found out it was a big scam company. So was the QuickHelp24/7.com tech website. Of course I did not send the check. But I learned to use from reading other people who have been scamed by Devine Mart to use malwarebytes to check out files they have put on my computer. After the malwarebytes scan, I found out the files they put on my computer was a malware virus to access my password and user name. This scan deleted the malware virus so it`s not on my computer. Now I getting calls all the time from this scam company if my computer is good now. I now know they put in these bad malware files to rob me of my info and steal my bank account money. Please check on Devine Mart and QuickHelp24/7.com because these are not real business to help people.

Useful
Reply
- Gaithersburg, MD, USA
Report

My aunt forgot her password to her laptop and I found the iSumsoft website, which claims the software it sold can open the locked computer/laptop by resetting the password. When I paid to download the software (3 in total) and follow the instruction, none works. I contacted (emailed) the technical support listed on the website and provided screenshots of how the software not working. I never got any response.(I waited for several days) I then asked for a refund and provided information on how this was not working, I got a simple reply from Digital River company that the publisher (ISumsoft) declined to refund and gave no reason. This is obviously a scam to get money, as the website stated that the software works for the type of laptops including the type of my aunt's laptop. I now screenshot my email and Digital River company's reply and upload them here. The company seemed to have a US address but no phone number listed: Digital River Inc. 10380 Bren Road West, Minnetonka, MN 55343

Useful
Reply
- Dillsburg, PA, USA
Report

When I downloaded a game through what was suppose to be Hoyle my computer immediately froze, alerts one afteer the other filled my screen. I was warned to not turn my computer off and call this 800 # running along bottom of screen. It seemed strange but I was locked down, not sure what to do. I deceided to call the number. When I reached someone from support, it was obviously a third world contact and I hung up. Turned computer off anyway. Turned it on and still frozen. Did this several times over next few days. Finally it was unfrozen and all good. I thank scam stoppers for my suspicions nature as this wasnt the first time I avoided a scammer due to reading about scams.

Useful
Reply
- Lafayette, LA, USA
Report

I used my laptop to look up some information and several windows popped up telling me that I had been hacked and my computer was locked. I needed to call the number above to have it unlocked. When I called the caller asked how many phones I had and computers along with Smart TVs. He said that my wife was hacked and he could help. He also asked if I used my computers for work or home. He asked if I used it for bank purposes. I told him no and he kept asking are you sure you don’t use it for bank purposes. I told him absolutely not. My daughter-in-law came and heard me in the phone and looked up the number. She told me it was a scam and that he was trying to access my bank accounts. I quickly hung up and blocked his number. Thank goodness for my daughter-in-law!

Useful
Reply
- Chesnee, SC, USA
Report

My computer froze up and a warning popped up saying that my computer had been compromised and was locked. I tried to delete the warning but was unable to do so. I then called the warning number and was told that they could fix it not knowing that they had installed a virus and froze my computer. They took control of my computer and showed me where i was supposedly compromised. I was told to hold my check up to the camera so that they could take a picture of it and then later told to mail it. After several days they kept calling and calling saying that they had not received the check, I contacted my bank and the check had cleared days before they had called saying that I needed to send them another check. i started researching the internet and found out that this was all a scam. I first spoke with Erica at ext.1082. She transferred me to Paul Kingston, employee number 300021.

Useful
Reply
- New York, NY, USA
Report

Telegram ID: 97145

Bitcoin address: bc1qs72r5njtwygzge80lv40grehx4aquvctdpw2y8

? Recovery and hacker tracking when social media is hacked by someone

? scammer tracking service

Useful
Reply
- Loganville, GA, USA
Report

I was looking on my insurance website when all of a sudden these messages popped up about malware and to call the number listed to protect your computer or lose your information. I called the number and a lady answered with a strong European accent saying that she could solve the problem. She asked if she could access my screen with her curser and run a scan to see what happened. She reported that 6 hackers had accessed my IP address and many more were in line. I had a McAfee security that popped up but she dismissed it saying it didn't cover Microsoft 10. I had just renewed my subscription and they said nothing about that. After finishing her diagnostics, she said that I needed to install a firewall and showed me a diagram on how it worked. For $799.00 to install on my own or $899.00 to install with assistance, this problem would be solved for life including future new devices. I told her that I couldn't afford that. She asked what I could afford. I said $300 including the assistance to install. She said she could offer $599. so we agreed. I was unable to access my desktop until I paid the bill. I was transferred to William (another European accent) and he took my credit card information. At first I was going to put it on my DISCOVER card but he couldn't accept it so I gave him a M/C which he gladly accepted. It required a verified code and he made sure that I gave it to him. He said that the payment will show up as "Blue Tech Solutions". Then he also said that they may follow up with making sure that I authorized this purchase. They did. After the transaction was completed, the tech took over making all kinds of changes to my computer, including removing McAfee and another protection program CCleaner. After the tech was done, I got a call from Kristine, again, to say that the tech was finished and that I could use my computer now. She disconnected her curser from my computer and I was able to use my computer again. It worked fine. When she called me, the phone showed "SPAM RISK". I should have known better.

Useful
Reply
- Troy, IL, USA
Report

Email claiming the\at my iCloud storage payment method had expired and they were unable to renew my iCloud storage without correct account information. I do have an iCloud storage account so I fell for the scam. Had to dispute charges with my bank and cancel my debit card.

Useful
Reply
- Yulee, FL, USA
Report

I clicked on a recipe on my PC and when I did a loud message saying my PC was locked and telling me not to shut off my PC and to call a number. I asked who they were and they said employees of Microsoft. They the asked access to my PC and I foolishly gave it to them. After showing me things proving their point, they tried to sell me IP address security. I kept asking questions and how a hacker got thru my VPN, Windows defender and McAfee. Then they showed me 3 programs from $737 to $1200. They asked me to send a check, then to fill I out immediately take a photo of it and send it express mail tomorrow. They said hey would need 40-60 minutes to fix it and to not touch PC, iPad or iPhone. A this point I used my iPad as I have always read they couldn’t be hacked. I went to ScamPulse.com and looked up Devine Mart and read many descriptions all describing same thing. They also sent themselves a email from me saying I would pay them $737. Good luck with that. They had working on PC five minutes. I “x’d” out of everything they were doing. They immediately called my cell and I told them off. I have run system restore to 3 days prior to today, cleaned registry, ran virus scan and check all programs installed today Will be asking PC to repair center to make sure. These guys are a total scam. There is a special place in hell for people who do this. I can’t take criminal action against them as no money changed hands or ever will I hope someone does and I agree to testify

Useful
Reply
- Pueblo, CO, USA
Report

Scam Report submitted on behalf of victim by ScamPulse.com Employee: Victim was contacted via pop-up that there was virus that was attacking safari browser on ipad. Victim was told to call apple support at a phone number impersonating to be the actual company. While on the phone, the impersonator had the victim install two apps AnyDesk and DeskTop. The scammer would then gain access to the ipad and proceeded to ask questions about banking info. The victim disconnected the call before any more information was given.

Useful
Reply
Report

Tried to scam my mother. Computer froze with pop up advising to call Microsoft tech support. They grant remote access and suddenly they want 199 USD. Please take the time to read other reviews on this company.

Useful
Reply
Report

DEAR CONSUMER,

Thank you for your order.

Below you will find your reference number. To ensure the most prompt and efficient service, Please always refer to your reference number when contacting us.

Your Invoice Number: MNDFRTY58524680

Payment information

Your Account has been successfully authorized. Please note that the charge on your account will appear as "GEEK SUBSCRIPTION."

Your products

GEEK SUBSCRIPTION.

The chosen payment plan will activate once the transaction has been confirmed.

YOU ARE SUBSCRIBED TO A MULTIPLE PAYMENT PRODUCT.

The next payment of $248.23 is due on 06-02-2023

Support options

Also payment and order related questions can be raised to their support team via +1 -(888) –(407)-(0945)

Sincerely,

GEEK BILLING TEAM

Useful
Reply
Check fields!

Report Tech Support Scam


Upload here Increase visibility and credibility of your review by
adding a photo, document or video
Submit

Tech Support Scam Contacts

Phone:
+1 (412) 376-7533 0 0
+1 (703) 480-7885 0 0
+1 (877) 297-2205 0 0
+1 (855) 991-3099 0 0
+1 (866) 216-1072 0 0
+1 (888) 406-9087 0 0
+1 (856) 492-1494 0 0
+1 (855) 803-8392 0 0
+1 (855) 222-2316 0 0

If you know any contact information for Tech Support Scam, help other victims by adding it!

Add new contacts
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | New