IT Support Scams Are on the Rise
Scams involving criminals pretending to be IT support staff are on the rise. These scammers pose as professionals in hopes of gaining access to your computer and ultimately scamming you into sending them money or allowing them to access your bank accounts.
Tech support scammers use many different tactics to trick their victims, including unexpected and urgent phone calls, computer pop-up warnings and online ads. Technology support scammers are also known to use scare tactics to trick victims into unnecessary technical support services, telling the victim there is an issue with their computer and then promising to “fix” a software problem that doesn’t exist. They will also notify you they billed your account for their service and offer to refund it if you no longer want it. Scammers will ask their victims to install special software to allow them remote access into your computer. These scammers may ask you to purchase gift cards to pay them or ask you to access your personal bank accounts online so they can transfer funds.
Follow These Rules to Protect Yourself:
Never allow unsolicited persons to remotely access your computer.
Do not click on pop-up warnings or contact any phone number or email listed on the pop-up.
Never allow anyone to access your online bank account.
And Remember
Legitimate tech companies won’t contact you by phone, email or text message to tell you there is a problem with your computer. They also won’t ask you for personal information or to log in to your online banking accounts.
If you have given someone control of your computer and are instructed to log in to your online banking, you have likely fallen victim to a scam. Please hang up on the caller. DO NOT log in. Instead, turn off your computer. You should also take your computer to a local, reputable computer repair shop.
We’re Here for You
Have questions? Call us at 859-253-6222, email FISU@centralbank.com or visit your local banking center for more information.