If you’re having any problems with your PC, we always encourage you to call our local, friendly tech support. But if unfamiliar tech support calls you instead, it should set off warning bells!

On October 3^rd, the FTC announced it would be launching an international crackdown on tech support scams. While the problem may originate overseas, it can have some real local repercussions.

Here’s how the scam works – a “tech support representative” will call, claiming that your computer has alerted them to a virus infection. Since these calls aren’t local, they’ll probably mention a well-known company or name, like Microsoft or “Windows,” in an effort to sound legitimate.

After directing you to look up files and error messages (which are natural and not actually signs of infection), the “representative” will ask you to download a program from their website. Some of these programs will grant them remote access to your computer, which can be exceptionally dangerous. Once they have control of your PC, they can shut it down, and then demand payment for “fixing it.”

Some things to look out for:

• Are they evasive when you ask questions?

• Are they trying to emphasize a “state of emergency?”

• Are they asking for any payment or identifying information?

• Are they asking you to download anything?

If you think you’re being scammed, avoid giving out any information. Instead, take down what information they give you, and report it to the FTC. The more information the FTC has to work with, the more likely it is that they can shut them down.