Traders: Don’t Become a Victim of a Tech Support Scam

Most of my customers are great at trading, but not so great at knowing what to do when their trading computer has a hardware or software problem.

Unfortunately, there are lots of scammers out there looking for just this type of person. They know how much you, as a trader, depend on your computer. And how nervous you get just thinking about something being wrong with your system.

These scammers pose as tech support from reputable companies to gain access to your machine.

Protect yourself. Become aware of their manipulation methods to avoid being victimized by these tech support scams.

Tech Support Scam Techniques

Scammers try to mix and match methods to get your attention. You might get a call, an email, or a popup message on your trading computer.

In some cases, the scammer might use all channels of communication to gain your trust. You might get a popup saying your computer has a problem, and then receive an email or a phone call.

When the scammers call you, they generally follow the steps below:

  • Claim they are from a well-known company without providing any proof.
  • Use technical lingo to create confusion.
  • Try to convince you that your computer has a problem with certain files or folders.

After convincing you that your computer has a problem, the next step is gaining access to your machine or scamming you for money. It can come in various forms:

Remote Access: Nowadays most computers have some form of remote access capability. Generally, it is turned off. The scammers will try to convince you to turn on those capabilities and give them access through providing your password or access code.

Malware Installation: The scammers will send you links and ask you to download software. Most of these downloads are malware or ransomware. They will take control of your computer.

Fake Software or Services: Scammers can also try to sell you software or services that are supposed to fix your computer. In most cases, they are after your credit card information, so they can get money out of your account.

Website Misdirection: Fraudsters know that people are unwilling to give financial information to strangers. So they might ask you to go to a website to enter your credit card number to make the scam look more legitimate.

Protecting Yourself from Tech Support Scammers

Here are some precautions you can take:

  • Never accept calls from unsolicited numbers. Most reputable tech companies have web portals through which you can submit tickets.
  • For any pop-ups on your screen, don’t call the number or click on the link even if it seems legitimate. Instead, find the phone number or contact information of the software company from the internet and use that number.
  • Never give administrative permissions to your computer or laptop unless you have initiated the request for support, or have otherwise verified the support person’s identity and IT credentials. Know that reputable companies like Apple or Microsoft rarely ask for remote access permission.

Steps to Take if You Get Scammed

Scammers often try to use urgency to make you take action. Should you fall for their manipulation, take immediate action as soon as you realize you might have been scammed:

  • If you gave the scammers remote access, change your passwords. Ask an expert to check your trading computer for any remote access connections.
  • If you downloaded new software, run your antivirus software immediately, and then ask an expert to help you check your computer.
  • If you gave out any financial information, contact your credit card company or bank to cancel the card and/or stop payment.

Conclusion

If you’ve already purchased one of our EZ Trading Computers, congratulations! You’re system is covered with our Lifetime Tech Support. If you’re a customer and you think you may have been a victim of a tech support scam, give us a call. Our legitimate tech support guys will help you figure things out so you can get back to trading.

There are more trading computer tips like this in our buyer’s guide. Check out our “How To Buy a Trading Computer” e-book.

Remember, we are here to help with all your technology-related questions. If you think of additional questions about computer hardware or other questions, give me a call. My team and I are here to help. We’re happy to answer any of your questions about trading computers via phone: 800-387-5250.

Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash.com.