How can you identify and avoid the most common online support scams?

Dont trust any support call, unless you paid for it - most of these Fake stuff happens only when you look for free support. Scammers can only scam you if you want to scam the OG..!

If it's from a bank Is it the bank you have business with? If no then say "I don't bank with you" and hang up. If it is Ask them to verify something e.g your account number or most recent purchase. or you can hang up and use your banks phone number to call them and ask if they called.

Much like the IRS, tech companies will not contact consumers by phone for malware or virus concerns. Contact from major companies will typically be initiated via email, in app notifications, or official site publications. With heightened awareness of spam emails, evolving scam tactics make it difficult for the average consumer to trust search engine results as well. There’s been a significant increase in fake sites appearing at the top of search engine results driven by fraudsters paying to do so. The application (eBay, Amazon, Windows Defender, CashApp) is the best way to locate valid numbers for the company. Keep in mind large companies have an automated phone system to navigate before obtaining a live rep.

The most common hint is, if the caller asks you an open question e.g. "Sir, do you have a MasterCard or Visa card?" This question itself says that the caller is NOT from my service provider. My service provider (bank, card company etc.) would know ALREADY if I have any card. Another one, the caller says "Sir, I am calling from the helpdesk of your bank" without giving any bank name! You should be well aware, if you bank has any such service for you. A very common attempt is also like "Sir, your SIM card will de-activated within 2 hrs, if you do not...." If your mobile company wants to disconnect your SIM, you should be getting several reminder SMS, emails etc. well in advance. Not a sudden phone call. Be smarter than such scamsters.

To avoid online support scams, hang up on unsolicited support calls and never share personal info. Close fake alerts/pop-ups without interacting. Only visit official support websites; check URLs carefully. Use official channels for help, update software regularly, and back up data. Trust your instincts and educate yourself on scams.

In my experience Identify & Avoid Online Scams: Don’t be fooled by fake alerts or pop-ups claiming your computer is infected! Close suspicious messages immediately, use reputable antivirus software, and keep your system updated. Stay safe online with vigilance and informed choices. Remember, strong security practices protect against cyber threats. #CyberSecurity #OnlineSafet

Scamers usually convey urgency. Asking you to quickly click or call. So many suspect these alerts but still fall prey due to curiosity. Hence, do not indulge at all & avoid unnecessary curiosity. If you are suspicious, it is likely malicious.

Evite clicar em qualquer pop-up que n?o conhe?a, por mais chamativa que seja a mensagem. Em casos de dúvidas, evite inserir dados confidenciais no PC e sempre busquem apoio de um técnico de confian?a, para verificar a integridade e seguran?a do sistema.

Always look at the source of the pop up or alert. If it is loading within a webpage, chances are you can ignore it. If it is coming from an application, consider whether or not you are familiar with the application. If it is a text or an email, who is the sender, be careful about typos in addresses.

Use an adblock extension, such as uBlock or something. It can detect suspicious link and let you know so you don't have to go to that page. Also it can block most of pop-ups scam.

Es de vital importancia nunca facilitar datos como contrase?as o tokens de un solo uso a una persona que te los solicita si no puedes comprobar a ciencia cierta que es tu técnico de soporte de confianza. A menudo se ofertan falsos técnicos con unos precios muy asequibles por hora, con unos perfiles de experiencia y certificación que podrían entrar hasta en la NASA, primera red flag. Por contrapartida, a las personas con perfiles técnicos de soporte, también les llegan ofertas de trabajo de una sola actuación, donde se debe realizar un cambio de cable, o soluciones menores, donde el precio por hora se paga exageradamente bien y todo es muy sencillo. Estas ofertas suelen suceder mediante el propio chat de LinkedIN, nueva red flag.

Whenever you need something like let's say, a customer care number for any company you want to call, you always end up googling. It's the natural instinct to first Google it. However, not always Google searches turn out to be true. There are scammers everywhere, therefore, don't turn blindly to the first search results in the search engine, instead take time to verify whether it comes from the official company website.

1. **Check the website's URL**: Look for misspellings or odd domain extensions. 2. **Verify contact information**: Legitimate businesses provide clear contact details. 3. **Research the company**: Search for reviews or complaints about the company online. 4. **Be cautious of urgent requests**: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly. 5. **Avoid suspicious emails**: Don't click on links or download attachments from unknown senders. 6. **Trust your instincts**: If something feels off, it probably is.

Most common mistake we commit is that we end up clicking the link received via email / SMS. Always hover over the link that shall show up where it is redirecting to. Never ever click any-link without verifying.

Adicional, es importante buscar las recomendaciones es de los sitios que te contactan en la web para ver referencias y ser más asertivos en lo que vamos a compartir con los “sitios de soporte”

To receive support safely, utilize official channels provided by reputable companies. This includes contacting support through verified phone numbers, official websites, or in-app support options. Avoid sharing sensitive information unless you are certain of the recipient's legitimacy.

Ensure to use official channels if you need to resolve any issues. Avoid using pirated copies of softwares as they are more prone to contain viruses or malware and are already flawed. Also, do not trust just anyone to remotely access your computers or systems. If you did not initiate any transaction, installation, or request for a service and you’re prompted to input a code, OTP, or PII, ignore and report any of such request. - Ensure to activate two-factor authentication on all your apps, systems and social media accounts. If possible, activate multi-factor authentication. - Do not insert USB drives or Cords you do not trust on your system / PC. - Lastly, remember the Zero Trust Policy? Implement it always.

To safeguard against potential harm, it's advisable to reach out to authorized support centers using the official contact details listed on their website, chat support services etc. While these options may incur higher costs compared to third-party providers, they offer trustworthiness and ensure the security of your information. Beware of numerous scams perpetrated by fraudulent support providers, often advertising minimal support fees. Their primary objective is to obtain your data or install malware. Authentic support personnel will never initiate unsolicited calls to offer assistance; such outreach typically occurs only upon request. Additionally, prioritize data security by encrypting and regularly backing up your data.

If you need online support for your computer or software, you should always contact the official support channels of the companies that you trust. You can find their contact information on their official websites, in their products, or in their documentation. You should also verify their identity and credentials before giving them any information or access to your computer

Four things things to remember; 1. If the device is issued to you by your employer, contact your IT Department 2. Contact the manufacturer of your device. Go to their website and confirm by logging in using the serial number, then call them on their contact page. 3. Go back to the store you bought it from. Ensure the store is reputable enough to start with when purchasing your device. 4. By this era, everybody has a friend, or relative who works in IT. Ask for their help and advice. If you don't have one, go back to point number 2.

1. Keep online accounts secure with complex passwords & MFA. Enable passwordless where possible. 2. Keep firewall and antimalware enabled and update signatures regularly. 3. Update OS to the latest supported version. 4. Stay calm and verify if receiving unusual comms in the name of known entities. 5. Verify unusual emails in the Inbox and avoid clicking links or attachments. 6. Verify email id/domain for anomalies. 7. Avoid gibberish address formats. 8. Steer clear of non-HTTPS or unusual URLs. 9. Use legit platforms to search for contacts and seek support to prevent scams. 10. Be cautious of direct outreach. 11. Extend caution to all comms channels. 12. Keep Wifi secure with strong passwords and encryption.

Research the company before engaging with a support service, research the company online to check for reviews, complaints, or reports of scams. Take your time to verify the situation independently before making any decisions.

Considere sempre levar em conta sua intui??o. As vezes desconfiamos de um site/página, devido ao reconhecimento de padr?es e mudan?as menos sutis, geram estranheza... Se desconfiou do site, página, pop-up, liga??o etc... encerre/feche o quanto antes e busque ajuda de alguém com mais conhecimento técnico. Essa simples atitude, pode lhe poupar de muito prejuízo e dores de cabe?a.

I do not respond to emails or phone calls from unfamiliar sources. If they leave a message that explains the source, I can then consider whether it is appropriate to respond. My experience also brings an understanding as to whether responding makes sense. Having a good email filtering software like Mimecast and CrowdStrike as an antivirus is also a useful tool towards cyber defense

Do not fill in those offline survey forms where you put in your phone number. That would reduce/limit the risk. Banks have our phone number, the service provider from whom you took the phone number. It's all there but how it's going out to those scammers. Those data (as they call leads) are being sold at a cost of $1 per number. I haven't figured out who is the safe service provider