Fake "Tech Support" Phone Calls - SCAMS

Don't be scammed! Fake "tech support" phone calls or pop-up messages while online!

There are an alarming number of "tech support" scams that initiate from either a message on your computer screen or a phone call from "Microsoft".

If a message pops up on your computer - typically while working online - try to close the message first.  If there is a phone number displayed, DO NOT call it.  The pop ups can be pretty persistent and may even require a forced shutdown of your computer to get rid of the message, but we suggest to try that first.  If you still receive the message after rebooting your computer, you can contact us for further assistance.

(To force a shutdown of your computer, hold down the power button for 10 seconds.  WARNING: Any unsaved data will be lost.)

After your computer reboots you can open your AntiVirus software and run a scan to be safe, but most often there will not be any infections found as this was more of an “advertisement” than a real threat on your computer.

If you end up getting one of these phone calls, or have called a number that appeared on your screen, be aware that the caller will use technical lingo to baffle you and scare-tactics to “prove” that you have problems with your computer.  They can use pretty forceful language to try and get you to drop what you are doing to follow their instructions.  

The “technician” will attempt to gain your trust little by little and provide bits of vague information, leading you to believe they know a lot about you and your computer.  They will direct you to press and click on different things to show you “errors” on your computer.  You will be reassured that this is not a scam and that you are in good hands.  We highly recommend that you hang up with them and DO NOT allow any unknown person or company to gain remote access to your computer.

If your computer has been remotely accessed we recommend to have it checked over to ensure that software was not installed which would allow future connections without your consent.  It’s also not a bad idea to ensure your computer wasn’t infected during the connection.

There is a chance the company is a legitimate technical repair facility, but just the tactics themselves are wrong and you should never allow unknown sources to access your computer.

If you've been a victim of fraud and wish to file a report, or if you wish to obtain more tips regarding dealing with fraud, either call your local police department or call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 orreport a complaint using this form.

If you truly do have a computer problem, don’t call a random number appearing on your screen and don’t fall for any technician that calls you.  Find a local, reputable computer company that you can call with confidence, or actually stop in to speak with and feel at ease using their services.

CompuSave Computers Inc.

Your Technical Team - On Your Side

Call or Text: 519.863.6336  -  Email: support@compusave.ca

Website: www.CompuSave.ca