No, you don't get any money. This is just a refund scam
The Federal Trade Commission warns consumers that if they get a call promising a refund for tech support services, it is just a new twist on an old scam.Usually it goes like this. Your phone rings, you answer it and then you hear a disturbing news – your computer has been compromised and it needs to be fixed immediately. Luckily, the kind guy on the other end of a phone line can help you right away. They just need two things – a remote access to your computer and a payment.
Yes, we know. This fake tech support scam is an old news. But scammers are resourceful and, lately, they’ve improved their strategy to be even more successful than before. And that’s the story about how the fake refund scam was born.
How does the refund scam work?
How does this fake refund scam (also called "reclaim scam")look like? Usually, the caller will ask if you were happy with their services. If you say you weren’t, they’ll offer you a refund. In other variation, a big tech company (such as Microsoft) appears to call you. The person on the phone claims you were mistakenly charged for tech support product and that’s why the company owes you a refund. To get that refund, all you need to do is give them some information.No matter what their story is, they always end up asking you to give them banking or credit card. However, they’re not giving you any refunds. Of course. They’re trying to steal more of your money. Don’t give them your bank account, credit card or other payment information.
Protect your money. With these simple steps
- Despite what the Caller ID might say, legitimate tech companies do not make unsolicited calls to customers.
- Never give a stranger remote access to your computer.
- If you need a tech support, call the company directly.
- Get an efficient spam blocker
