The FBI is warning people to be alert to the threat of technical support scams, in which criminals pose as support staff from computer or software companies and try to trick unsuspecting PC users into giving up access to their bank accounts.
The public service announcement by the FBI warns that there have been instances across the US recently of scammers posing as service representatives of software company tech support or computer repair services in attempts to trick victims into following instructions.
They contact victims by phishing email or by phone, warning that an annual subscription service is about to be renewed within hours at a cost which is commonly in the range of $300 to $500 – and that the victim should get in contact if they want to cancel the payment.
According to the FBI, the scammers offer services, “that would be found at major electronic store chains that sell electronics, computers, and other digital devices.”
