Learn more about common technical support scams and steps to avoid them

Avoid internet scams call Halpins for help

Some companies pose as software support providers, usually operating from foreign call centers, they claim to offer software support services on behalf of major technology companies to gain access to and exploit consumers’ personal information.

They set up fake websites, offer free security scans, and send alarming messages to try to convince you that your computer is infected. They often gain the consumers’ trust by misrepresenting their relationship with reputable companies, and prey on consumers’ fear of their computer becoming infected with viruses and malware.

A few common scenarios of tech support scam are:

Advertising/Paid Search/Confusing Search Results
Fraudulent companies frequently use Paid Search to advertise their support services.

If they receive a call from you they claim to be a legitimate Support Partner, but they are not

They charge a lot of money for their services and may steal your personal information or install malicious software on your computer.

Cold Calling

Some fraudulent companies proactively cold call customers of for instance Talk Talk, BT, Norton, Microsoft etc offering assistance with virus removal, fixing problems with Apps or renewing a product subscription.

Once they gain your trust, they may conduct a remote session on your computer in order to remove your a genuine product such as Norton, and install their own products. Some may steal your personal information while accessing your device.

Pop-up warning/ads

Some fraudulent companies use fake pop-up warnings that claim your computer is infected with a virus. These Pop-ups are made to look like a Genuine virus checker.

Type of fake virus alert

Email scam

Some fraudulent companies use scare tactics such as phishing mail, which contains warning messages about a vulnerability on your computer or offers to renew your expiring Anti Virus subscription in order to remain protected.

If you think you have been a victim of a scam, the first thing we suggest, is that you contact your Bank and Credit card company, and take their advice, which may involve blocking your card.
Once you have done that switch off your Computer and call Halpins Comuter Services, to call out to your home or office to have your computer made secure, and to update your anti virus etc.

Call Halpins Computer Services now 07968 961323 as soon as possible.

Email (but not from the infected Computer) info@halpins.co.uk

With landlines being taken off, and using them less in less, we will be turning off our landline number, and will only use our mobile number 07968961323.