Keep in mind that neither Google nor Microsoft make unsolicited calls to help you fix your computer. Don't fall for tricks that unsolicited callers often make to gain your trust. Business Consumer Alliance offers the following advice if you are called by anyone claiming to offer tech support:
Hang up on unsolicited callers and contact the actual company they claim to represent directly. Don't use the number that may be displayed on your caller I.D. Follow the example of the savvy consumer mentioned at the beginning of this article and research the public phone number or contact the actual company to inquire about the call. More often than not, you will find that the call you received is a scam.
• Although your caller I.D. may display the name of a legitimate business, be aware that criminals spoof caller I.D. numbers. They may even spoof a local number when they are actually in another country.
• Never give control of your computer to a third party who calls you out of the blue.
• Check out the company by obtaining a Business Consumer Alliance reliability report. Also, search online for information on the phone number of the caller. This could alert you to a scam.
• If you are in need of tech support, use the contact information on your software or receipt to contact the company directly and obtain support. Beware of crooks posing on the Internet as tech support businesses. They often place ads online and pay to boost their online ranking to convince individuals to call them instead of authentic tech support companies.
• Don't give your credit card or other personal information to anyone calling you. The same is true for your passwords or user information.
• Never wire or send money to anyone you do not know.
If you have allowed anyone remote access to your computer, run your security software to scan for any malware or viruses that may have been downloaded. Change any passwords you may have given out and update other accounts that use the same password. If you have paid for phony services by credit card, call your provider to initiate a charge back. Also, keep an eye on your account for unauthorized or suspicious charges. If you have been contacted by a scammer or you have been a victim, don't remain silent. File a complaint with Business Consumer Alliance to let others know of the scam. Also contact the National Do Not Call Registry to register your number. Conduct your due diligence and research a business before making a buying decision.