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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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DHoward
May 24, 2018
I had a guy John William calling from Microsoft saying my computer was infected. They ended up scamming me for thousands, which I will dispute with credit cards, my bank account is now 700 overdrawn. I feel so stupid!! I have already reported it and they still keep calling. The phone number is 585-296-1581. Please do not let them get you!
kat
May 29, 2018
they literally jus ad me sayng they could snd me a check or $300 to my address the proceeded to ask for compeer access and want me to put in code into my computer very weird i hung up and they called five times. my husband sweated and asked them to stop calling and he said that hr would never stop calling that he HAD to speak to me
SharonMIL
May 31, 2018
I'm getting calls from somewhere in India, claiming they are microsoft and want to fix my computer and I owe them money.It's quite annoying. Especially since I got a call at 3:30 am THIS MORNING. This time the call was listed to a Richard Dillon 978-851-3077. Thanks!
Big Dog
May 31, 2018
Wowww. I had no idea how bad it is! I get these calls DAILY from unavailable numbers. And over the past week "Virus Eraser" has been calling me saying they owe me a refund.... I have a police whistle (from my ex-husband), I'm going to start busting some eardrums tomorrow.
Night Owl
June 08, 2018
I received a scam call today, first time from someone with good English. Knew my name, asked if I used my computer last night. I said no, but he told me that they received some error reports and he can fix it for me. I asked then where he called from - "Computer Maintenance People". I put on my most naive voice and said: "And you can actually fix computers over the phone? How clever of you. You should be in jail." And hung up. Another good phrase (after stringing them for a while): "Your mother would be so proud that you've became a criminal!" It does not solve anything, but is rather satisfying (if you are in the mood and have the time) and stops them for a while from scamming someone for real. Otherwise the phone on the table for 10 minutes sounds good.
Lidor
June 20, 2018
I received a phone call from someone saying I need to cancel a computer service to avoid being debited $1500 for a renewal.They wanted me to log in to my checking account, so they can send me the refund via Western Union.'Victor Smith' said he was with Geek Squad at Best Buy.I did not access my account. The phone numbers they used are 845.210.6708 and 717.438.4899. Best Buy does not ask you to access your checking account. Please be aware.
Scammed in CT
June 24, 2018
Sounds like I've been scammed not once but three times. Resolvez Techo, also Camus Info tech, same company. Phone #'s 844-811-8781, 844-506-1246, 512-212-7391. I called for help because of large red pop-up stating I had received a virus or malware and needed to paid to fix it. I paid and was left alone for four months.Then started getting calls that they were not receiving information and were concerned that I had been hacked. Stupid me, I paid them again. They called today and if my son hadn't stopped me I would have paid them again. He told me I need to check on them and here I am reading your messages, realizing my stupidity. Thank you all from your advise.
NOGOTCHAHERE
June 25, 2018
Massive East Indian accent! Called 7x in less than 5 mins. All about returning my Microsoft money additional warranty 'cuz they lost their license in U.S. for not paying taxes. Never got access to my pc or asked for card to reimburse. Aggressive to access my pc. Turned into Dell Fraud...WAKE UP PEOPLE!!! SCAM, SCAM, SCAM!!!
NOGOTCHAHERE
June 25, 2018
SCAM,SCAM,SCAM. #213 799-1599 OR UNKNOWN. FRAUD REPORTED. WANTS ACCESS TO YOUR P.C. EAST Indian AND AGGRESSIVE!!! DON'T LET HIM HAVE COMPUTER ACCESS. SUPV. GIVES BOGUS ID AND THE HIS PERSONAL PHONE NUMBER IS SAME AS THE BOGUS COMPANY. HANG UP!!!
GurlPlease
June 28, 2018
I hung up on the Indian threatening to block my computer and he called back several times when I hung up on him. He was aggressive! I don’t have time for this foolishness. The first call was from 623-512-4282, the callbacks from 641-187-9948.
bressi ranch
July 03, 2018
Someone keeps calling saying they are from Microsoft about a problem with my computer but not for access...I'm not sure what they want because of their accent...who can help me they call every day and I tell them to go away,but they won't. They gave me a NY address 7680 11th st, Manhattan, NY...and phone 800-301-2953
Marty
July 05, 2018
As a favor to others, I try to keep these scammers on the phone as long as possible. I make them repeat everything 3 times, then tell them I've done something other than what they want. Sometimes I try to get them to chat about the weather or politics. Eventually, I tell them I have to put the phone down to answer the door, and then I wait to see how long until they hang up.
Noscam
January 26, 2019

In reply to by Marty

I think that’s a great idea. I started doing the same. I try to keep them hopeful and on the phone to help prevent them from calling other people.
Kay HDon't use…
July 12, 2018
Been there and fell 4 it Now i cannot get them 2 stop calling. 4 to 7 times a day. Now they r using numbers from my area code and city numbers I lost a lot of money. Was heavily medicated as i was.... Am fighting cancer
Hounddog
July 12, 2018
Been there got took Now i het 4 to 7 calls a day and using my area code And my city on Numbers
pcake
July 25, 2018

Received an email supposedly from Chase online banking. It stated that they discovered multiple failed attempts to login to my account so they locked my password! Then they tell you to click the link below and follow steps to get your account re-activated. BIG SCAM. Not the first time I received an email like this. The first time I called Chase from the number listed on my credit card which assured me this was not them. Reported it to abuse @chase. com. Beware! Never click the link & call directly to the bank or company involved on your credit card or a secure number from a billing statement....not anything in the email. I was lucky.

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