A new surge of tech support scams is threatening consumers. Criminals use scary warning pop-up messages, or cold calls pretending to be a major software company to gain access to your device.
Many modern tech support alerts closely resemble real system warnings, making them difficult to detect at first glance. Vulnerable targets include standalone home computers, tablets used for online banking, and personal laptops used in busy public Wi-Fi areas.
If your screen freezes or a strange alert pops up, pause before reacting. Reflect on what you might have heard (or read) about scams that start out like this. To clear the warnings, you may have to shut down your device to get rid of them.
To help stay safe, keep your operating system and antivirus software up to date. If you are concerned that your device may be compromised, get it checked out at a repair shop you trust.
Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.
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