Business ProfileforWindows Defender Protection
Computer Services
Current Alerts For This Business
Alert:
BBB Tip: Tech Support Scams
By International Association of Better Business Bureaus. July 20, 2020.
To view the full article, please visit:
https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/16553-bbb-tip-tech-support-scams
A tech support rep calls you at home and offers to fix a computer bug that you haven't even noticed, or a popup warning appears on your screen instructing you to dial a number for help. In this con, scammers pose as tech support employees of well-known computer companies and hassle victims into paying for their "support."
How the Scam Works:
A call comes through on the Caller ID or a popup on your computer screen from someone claiming to be with tech support from a well-known software company. Microsoft, Comcast, Norton and Dell are all popular choices. The caller ceates a sense of urgency--the computer is sending error messages, they've detected a virus, or your computer is about to crash causing a massive loss of data!
Rest assured. The tech support employee can fix the problem but only if they're allowed to remote access the troubled machine. Once access is granted, the caller will often run a "scan" and claim the computer is infected with viruses. The offer is made to fix and repair the machine for a fee. That may not be the end of the scam. If you allow remote access, malware may be installed on your machine. Malware often scans files in search of personal information, which scammers then use to commit identity theft.
Tips to spot this scam:
Never give control of your computer to a third party unless you know it is the representative of a computer support team you contacted.
Legitimate tech support companies don't call unsolicited. A popular way for thieves to get in touch with victims is through cold calls. The callers often claim to be from a tech company. Scammers do and they can spoof official looking phone numbers, so don't trust Caller ID.
Look out for warning screens: Nearly half of tech support scams begin with an alert on the victim's computer screen. This pop up will have a phone number to call for help. Instead, shutdown the computer and restart it.
Be wary of sponsored links. When searching online for tech support, look out for sponsored ads at the top of the results list. Many of these links lead to businesses that scam consumers.
Avoid clicking on links in unfamiliar emails. Scammers also use email to reach victims. These messages point consumers to scam websites that launch pop-ups with the fake warnings and phone numbers.
If you are a victim of a tech support scam:
Contact the bank immediately.
Take the laptop, tablet, or computer that was infected to a trusted local business and have it checked out.
Remove any software that authorized remote access to the device.
Change all of the passwords used to access bank accounts, social media and other websites that contain personal information.
File a report with BBB Scam Tracker and with law enforcement authorities, such as the FTC
Learn how to protect yourself, go to "10 Steps to Avoid Scams" and sign up for scam alerts.
In Canada, please report tech support scams to the Canadian Fraud Centre
Learn more about BBB Accreditation Standards and BBB Standards for Trust.
Read BBB's complete study with more details on who is behind tech support scams, how they are requesting money, and whom they are victimizing, as well as BBB's recommendations for dealing with the problem.
Additional business information
Additional Info:
BBB received a complaint filed against Windows Defender Protection. THe cosnumer complaint alleged receiving an invoice from the business and unauthorized charges for services not requested.
BBB attempted to call the business, however the Windows Defender Protection representative hung up.
BBB was not able to locate a valid address for the company or a website. BBB Tip: Tech Support Scams
By International Association of Better Business Bureaus. July 20, 2020.
To view the full article, please visit:
https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/16553-bbb-tip-tech-support-scams
A tech support rep calls you at home and offers to fix a computer bug that you haven't even noticed, or a popup warning appears on your screen instructing you to dial a number for help. In this con, scammers pose as tech support employees of well-known computer companies and hassle victims into paying for their "support."
How the Scam Works:
A call comes through on the Caller ID or a popup on your computer screen from someone claiming to be with tech support from a well-known software company. Microsoft, Comcast, Norton and Dell are all popular choices. The caller ceates a sense of urgency--the computer is sending error messages, they've detected a virus, or your computer is about to crash causing a massive loss of data!
Rest assured. The tech support employee can fix the problem but only if they're allowed to remote access the troubled machine. Once access is granted, the caller will often run a "scan" and claim the computer is infected with viruses. The offer is made to fix and repair the machine for a fee. That may not be the end of the scam. If you allow remote access, malware may be installed on your machine. Malware often scans files in search of personal information, which scammers then use to commit identity theft.
Tips to spot this scam:
Never give control of your computer to a third party unless you know it is the representative of a computer support team you contacted.
Legitimate tech support companies don't call unsolicited. A popular way for thieves to get in touch with victims is through cold calls. The callers often claim to be from a tech company. Scammers do and they can spoof official looking phone numbers, so don't trust Caller ID.
Look out for warning screens: Nearly half of tech support scams begin with an alert on the victim's computer screen. This pop up will have a phone number to call for help. Instead, shutdown the computer and restart it.
Be wary of sponsored links. When searching online for tech support, look out for sponsored ads at the top of the results list. Many of these links lead to businesses that scam consumers.
Avoid clicking on links in unfamiliar emails. Scammers also use email to reach victims. These messages point consumers to scam websites that launch pop-ups with the fake warnings and phone numbers.
If you are a victim of a tech support scam:
Contact the bank immediately.
Take the laptop, tablet, or computer that was infected to a trusted local business and have it checked out.
Remove any software that authorized remote access to the device.
Change all of the passwords used to access bank accounts, social media and other websites that contain personal information.
File a report with BBB Scam Tracker and with law enforcement authorities, such as the FTC
Learn how to protect yourself, go to "10 Steps to Avoid Scams" and sign up for scam alerts.
In Canada, please report tech support scams to the Canadian Fraud Centre
Learn more about BBB Accreditation Standards and BBB Standards for Trust.
Read BBB's complete study with more details on who is behind tech support scams, how they are requesting money, and whom they are victimizing, as well as BBB's recommendations for dealing with the problem.
BBB attempted to call the business, however the Windows Defender Protection representative hung up.
BBB was not able to locate a valid address for the company or a website. BBB Tip: Tech Support Scams
By International Association of Better Business Bureaus. July 20, 2020.
To view the full article, please visit:
https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/16553-bbb-tip-tech-support-scams
A tech support rep calls you at home and offers to fix a computer bug that you haven't even noticed, or a popup warning appears on your screen instructing you to dial a number for help. In this con, scammers pose as tech support employees of well-known computer companies and hassle victims into paying for their "support."
How the Scam Works:
A call comes through on the Caller ID or a popup on your computer screen from someone claiming to be with tech support from a well-known software company. Microsoft, Comcast, Norton and Dell are all popular choices. The caller ceates a sense of urgency--the computer is sending error messages, they've detected a virus, or your computer is about to crash causing a massive loss of data!
Rest assured. The tech support employee can fix the problem but only if they're allowed to remote access the troubled machine. Once access is granted, the caller will often run a "scan" and claim the computer is infected with viruses. The offer is made to fix and repair the machine for a fee. That may not be the end of the scam. If you allow remote access, malware may be installed on your machine. Malware often scans files in search of personal information, which scammers then use to commit identity theft.
Tips to spot this scam:
Never give control of your computer to a third party unless you know it is the representative of a computer support team you contacted.
Legitimate tech support companies don't call unsolicited. A popular way for thieves to get in touch with victims is through cold calls. The callers often claim to be from a tech company. Scammers do and they can spoof official looking phone numbers, so don't trust Caller ID.
Look out for warning screens: Nearly half of tech support scams begin with an alert on the victim's computer screen. This pop up will have a phone number to call for help. Instead, shutdown the computer and restart it.
Be wary of sponsored links. When searching online for tech support, look out for sponsored ads at the top of the results list. Many of these links lead to businesses that scam consumers.
Avoid clicking on links in unfamiliar emails. Scammers also use email to reach victims. These messages point consumers to scam websites that launch pop-ups with the fake warnings and phone numbers.
If you are a victim of a tech support scam:
Contact the bank immediately.
Take the laptop, tablet, or computer that was infected to a trusted local business and have it checked out.
Remove any software that authorized remote access to the device.
Change all of the passwords used to access bank accounts, social media and other websites that contain personal information.
File a report with BBB Scam Tracker and with law enforcement authorities, such as the FTC
Learn how to protect yourself, go to "10 Steps to Avoid Scams" and sign up for scam alerts.
In Canada, please report tech support scams to the Canadian Fraud Centre
Learn more about BBB Accreditation Standards and BBB Standards for Trust.
Read BBB's complete study with more details on who is behind tech support scams, how they are requesting money, and whom they are victimizing, as well as BBB's recommendations for dealing with the problem.
At-a-glance
Business Details
This is a multi-location business.
- Location of This Business
- Clearwater, FL 33756
- BBB File Opened:
- 9/22/2020
- Additional Contact Information
Phone Numbers
- (800) 779-2839Other Phone
- (702) 509-6386Other Phone
- (800) 779-2839
Customer Complaints
3 Customer Complaints
Need to file a complaint? BBB is here to help. We'll guide you through the process. How BBB Processes Complaints and Reviews
File a ComplaintMost Recent Customer Complaint
02/20/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Product Issues
- Status:
- BBB unable to locate business
window defender popped up on my com, said . also was going to call me back in 45 minutes . they were fixing my computer for free, feb162024 at 10;30 im filing complaint against them in ******* an **********. I dont want money to be taken from my bank account. i did not agree to pay for this scam so please help me83058480436
Customer Reviews
2 Customer Reviews
What do you think? Share your review.
Most Recent Customer Review
Karen S
1 star12/06/2021
I fell for this scam and am trying to cancel my order for the next year when it comes up for renewal. Any phone number I call rings once and then I get a busy signal. there is no way I can reach someone to cancel any future dealings with them. I will give them an F- rating. I will keep a watch on my bank account and stop payment that way if this is the only way to resolve this. I'm sorry but you don't offer any negative star ratings!
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