When you get an unsolicited call from “tech support” claiming there’s a problem with your computer, it’s almost a scam.
But other people keep falling in love with them all the time, wasting millions of dollars altogether.
In a recent report, the FTC said the corporations most impersonated by phone and online scammers in 2023 were Best Buy, Amazon, and PayPal. The FTC said it has gained more than 52,000 reports of scammers impersonating Best Buy tech support. , called Geek Squad, alone.
Fake Geek Squad workers stole $15 million in 2023, according to a report.
Microsoft joined the list in fourth position with around 7,000 reports and reported a whopping $60 million. Publisher Clearing House scams generated the second-highest overall figure at $49 million.
In April, police in Florida said scammers tricked one into sending them $400,000 after tricking her into believing she had won a Publisher’s Clearing House sweepstakes. The Publisher’s Clearing House told Business Insider at the time that no valid sweepstakes would require payments, taxes, or fees. of any kind to get a real prize.
Best Buy and Microsoft tech support scams start with a phone call, email, or pop-up ad informing you that there’s a problem with your computer or WiFi networks. From there, scammers work to download your private data and gain access to sensitive files and cash on your PC.
Tech scammers will periodically ask you to give them remote access to your computer, allowing them to access the data stored on it and your web network.
“A tech call you don’t expect is a scam, even if the number is local or legitimate,” the FTC says. “These scammers use fake caller ID data to look like local businesses or trustworthy companies. “
Scammers facilitate crimes through emails and phone calls, but the FTC says incidents of scams starting on social media have increased in the past year. Facebook and Instagram are the most cited platforms in its report.
If you’re concerned that your computer may be infected with a virus, the company recommends that you call your security software company directly at the phone number listed on their website, your device’s purchase receipt, or the product’s packaging.
Microsoft and Best Buy did not respond to Business Insider’s requests for comment.
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