As Black Friday approaches, cyber criminals are ramping up their tactics to exploit the surge in online activity. One of the most persistent threats is the tech support scam, a long-standing tactic that has become increasingly sophisticated. At Neuways, we’re here to help you recognise these scams and protect yourself from falling victim. Perhaps the most important aspect of this article, as well as being vigilant, is not to use your work device for any personal shopping over Black Friday. You do not want to be the person responsible for compromising data and your business because you were the victim of Black Friday scams.
What Are Tech Support Scams?
Tech support scams typically involve fraudsters impersonating trusted tech companies like Microsoft, Apple, or Google. They aim to convince you that your device—whether a laptop, computer, or smartphone—has a security issue such as malware or a virus. Their goal? To trick you into handing over money, personal details, or access to your device.
How Do Tech Support Scams Work?
These scams usually start in one of two ways:
- Cold Calls: Fraudsters call you, claiming to be from a well-known tech company. Using tactics like spoofed numbers, they may be calling from a legitimate organisation. They’ll often say your software licence needs renewal or your device is at risk.
- Pop-Up Warnings: While browsing online, you might see a pop-up warning that your device has been compromised. Clicking on the pop-up can lead to fake customer service lines, where scammers pretend to “help” while gaining access to your device.
Once you’re on the hook, scammers may escalate their tactics. They often request remote access software access to your device, enabling them to steal sensitive data or install malicious programs. Victims are also frequently pressured into providing financial information, resulting in significant economic loss.
How Scammers Are Adapting
Fraudsters are evolving their methods to make their scams more convincing:
- Personalised Information: Scammers may use data from leaks or phishing attacks to learn your name, address, and device details. This makes their impersonation more believable.
- Layered Communication: They might send follow-up texts or emails, pretending to provide updates on the “issue.” Some even transfer victims to fake “bank representatives” or “law enforcement” to increase credibility.
- Fake Ads: Searching for tech support online? Be cautious, fraudsters create realistic-looking ads that lead to scam websites.
How to Protect Yourself This Black Friday
With heightened online activity, vigilance is critical:
- Ignore Unsolicited Calls: Tech companies will never call you out of the blue to warn about a cyber security threat.
- Never Allow Remote Access: Legitimate tech support rarely needs to control your device remotely.
- Be Wary of Fake Pop-Ups: Use browser settings and antivirus software to block pop-ups, reducing your risk of encountering malicious messages.
- Contact Trusted Sources: Contact reputable providers if you need tech support.
- Keep Software Updated: Regular updates enhance your device’s security, protecting against known vulnerabilities.
What to Do If You’re Targeted by Black Friday Scams
If you suspect a scam, disengage immediately, hang up the phone or close the suspicious pop-up. If you’ve already shared information or money, act quickly:
- Contact Your Bank: Notify them of the situation so they can potentially recover funds.
- Report the Scam: Inform Action Fraud or your country’s equivalent authority to help prevent future incidents.
Neuways: Your Partner in Cyber Security
At Neuways, we’re committed to helping businesses and individuals stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. Whether shopping online or browsing the web, don’t let scammers ruin your holiday season. Our Threatsafe team works tirelessly to keep you secure—because protecting your data is our priority.
Stay vigilant and contact us for guidance on keeping your devices and information safe this Black Friday.
