Consumer Alert
FTC asking for access to your computer? It’s a scam.
Scammers pretending to be with the FTC or with FTC refund administrators are calling, asking for remote access to your computer. It’s been reported that the scammers are calling specifically about the FTC’s Advanced Tech Support refund program. Their goal is to make you think you are moments away from getting money that’s owed to you – and, to get the money, all you need to do is allow them to connect to your computer. It’s a scam.
These kinds of scams, where imposters ask for remote access to your computer, are called tech support scams, and they exist in many forms. They may try to trick you into installing malware, sell you software that’s worthless, or direct you to websites and ask you to enter your credit card number and other personal information. They may also ask you to pay them by buying gift cards or prepaid debit cards at local stores or online.
In the case of the FTC’s Advanced Tech Support refund program, all checks have already been mailed to those affected. The FTC is no longer accepting any new claims. The scammers have told people to call if they have questions, but the number they give also is false. The only number to call for information about the real Advanced Tech Support Refund program is 877-793-0908.
The FTC and its refund administrators will never request remote access to your device, or ask you to pay to receive a refund. Any caller who does is a scammer. If you get a similar call, hang up immediately, report it to the FTC, and spread the word. It may help someone close to you avoid a scam.
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I am showing in Google Chrome the FTC is monitoring all my data. I haven't been able to get security for well over 6-8 years. For a while I wasn't aware. I've asked everyone. No one has been able to help. My phone operates remotely, I can't update any security. That's only a small part.
In reply to I did not get a call from by RussDRocker
In reply to I did not get a call from by RussDRocker
In reply to I did not get a call from by RussDRocker
In reply to I too have had those calls by Mtchef
You can try to get rid of the malware. The FTC article about malware includes these tips:
In reply to I too have had those calls by Mtchef
Reading these keeps you aware of scams babe, read some before you click on things.
In reply to Thank you for the scam alerts by Smiling
In reply to I had similar experienced, by Capung
In reply to I had similar experienced, by Capung
Yes, it has happened to me. His name is "Kevin" and wanted to give me a $300 refund. But couldn't send me a check, had to use my pc to do it. He called 20 times to try and get into the pc. I'm on the do-not-call list, but he got through anyway. Usually his calls come from Canyon County in Calif. He said he was from Experts LLC and was certified in Cisco and Microsoft. Just thought I'd let you know.
In reply to Yes, it has happened to me. by Juju
we have had 25 scam calls saying we won from 1 million to 27 million. my bank account also has been scamed asking for 10,000 dollars. I have turned in some names and phone numbers.
In reply to while on my computer there by coco
In reply to while on my computer there by coco
4/9/2018 As I've said before, Leave a message on your messaging service. "I am monitoring my calls, please state your business and leave your name and number Thank you." I assure you they will hang up and say nothing!
I am pretty sure I have weird software or hardware remotely pushed on my iPhone bc all my gmails say weird things like pretending to be from the FTC / branding/ images? I don’t know if this normal or not but for customers and gov security I thought I’d let you know thanks o and I’m blocked from disability n other government sites still !!! Plz help me
thank you for the message , I'll remember that
In reply to The scammers are also do a by Kitty
In reply to The scammers are also do a by Kitty
Thank you. I received a text on April 6, 2018 wanting me to send my email code and 1st grade teacher's name. Then I realize it was not Coolagent2 sending me the messages it was a scam. I wonder if we will be able to communicate again on site.
The refund scam has called me several times from different numbers, so it does no good to block the number after the call. The caller insists that
(continued) that I am owed money and tells me to open my computer so that he can deposit it! When I say anything, he becomes more insistent. I just hang up. Beware if you are expecting any type of refund and don't allow the scammer put you on the defense. Hang up!
I have been getting email from bank of america look alike spammers. Could you please investigate here is the weblink extension.Bank of america subject:the best time to fight fraud is before it happens. The message from the scamers looks very authentic and is asking for update the profile and the prsonal information.
In reply to The calls I keep getting are by Chat_Kath47
In reply to Are any of the Microsoft by PIPES
In reply to I have gotten 3 calls from by Mountain man
just received a scam that freeze my computer and to call them at 866-423-1004. The individual name is Sam Ibrahim. He wants to help me to up date my computer I called a friend and told me what to do. I would like the FTC to go after these people