According to Pew Research Center, roughly 90% of U.S. adults ages 65 and older say they use the internet. Because so many people use smartphones, tablets, and computers to go online, scammers have a large pool of potential victims to target for harvesting personal information or money.

The first three blogs in the elderly financial exploitation fraud spotlight series addressed the “grandparent” scam, the lottery and sweepstakes scam, and the romance scam. Now, let’s look at the tech support scam.

What is the Tech Support Scam?

Imagine you are browsing the internet, checking the daily news, when a large pop-up notification covers your laptop screen. The pop-up tells you that your computer is full of viruses. For your device to start functioning properly again, it prompts you to call a specific telephone number. What should you do? Instead of immediately calling the number, you should report this as a tech support scam.

How Do Criminals Commit Tech Support Scams?

Criminals take advantage of the elderly population by tricking them into giving access to their device. Criminals conduct these scams by creating pop-up notifications or calling to tell you that your computer’s security is at risk. Once they convince the victim that the problem is real, they may take a few different avenues of exploitation.

1. Request access. Once the victim provides the computer password over the phone, the criminal gains full access to control the device. With this access, the criminal can view any information stored on the computer.
2. Warranty program. The scammer may try to sell you a warranty program that “maintains your device’s security.” They may ask for payment for their fake product via gift cards, wire transfers, or request your credit card information.
3. Install applications. Some criminals may ask you to download a program or software to “fix the problem.” In reality, this program is a piece of malware that allows the criminal to remotely access your computer at any time.
4. Website redirection. After supposedly conducting a virus scan on your computer, the scammer may ask you to log into a specific website that asks for your credit card or bank account information to pay for their “tech services.”

How to Avoid Losing Money in a Tech Support Scam

Don’t let the threat of a tech support scam stop you in your tracks. The first step in protecting yourself is becoming educated. Be proactive in protecting yourself by following these tips.

1. Pause and evaluate. Tech support scammers typically urge the victim to act quickly so that he or she will not have time to think about the reality of the situation. If someone urges you to act quickly, you should slow down and think about the validity of the “danger.”
2. Keep software up to date. Installing updates helps protect your computer, tablet, or smartphone from security threats. If you can, turn on automatic updates so your device stays protected without needing to remember each time.
3. Communication. Legitimate technology companies will not contact you by phone, email, or text message to inform you of a problem with your computer. Additionally, real pop-up warnings will never ask you to call a phone number.

If you are unsure if your experience is a scam, talk to a trusted family member or friend. They may be able to help point out some of the warning signs.

Reporting Elderly Financial Fraud

If you believe you or someone you know has fallen victim to elder fraud, contact your local law enforcement or branch of the National Adult Protective Services Association. You may also file a report with the FBI. If you have given out account information or personal financial information, contact your banker immediately.

One way these criminals continue to find success in these schemes is by the lack of reporting. While it may feel embarrassing to admit that you have been scammed, reporting the fraud may help track down the criminal or make others more aware of the fraud tactics.