Source: Clicking for support could cost you | Consumer Information

November 13, 2015

by 

Lisa Lake

Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

The next time you get a message offering to fix a supposed problem with your computer, you might keep this in mind: “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Because there’s a good chance that call is a tech support scam.

Today, the FTC announced a case against Click4Support, charging the company with fleecing people out of up to thousands of dollars per consumer. Here’s how it worked, according to the FTC: the company used search engine results and pop-up ads, which seemed to come from well-known tech companies, but did not. Those ads drove people to telemarketing centers. If you called, the Click4Support reps would get remote access to your computer to – ahem – identify and resolve issues. Then the reps would make you believe your computer had a virus, spyware, malware, or was otherwise compromised.  But the FTC says those claims were false.  

Then, according to the FTC, the company sold their tech support “service” to consumers. That meant anything from a one-time “fix” to a long-term services plan, and cost from $69 to thousands of dollars. The FTC estimates these fees added up to more than $17.9 million for Click4Support. And what did consumers get? Big charges for unnecessary so-called repairs – which, in fact, sometimes damaged computers, according to the FTC.

If you see a pop-up, an ad, or get a call for tech support services, here are some ways to keep your money to yourself:

• Don’t give access to your computer to anyone who contacts you.
• Never give your credit card or financial information – or your passwords – to anyone who calls asking for them.
• Hang up on anyone who pressures you to pay for a computer security product or service. If you have concerns about your computer’s security, call a reputable computer security company using a number you know is really theirs.  If you need to check a company out, search its name online with words like “review,” “complaint,” or “scam.”

Tagged with: computer security, malware, online, scam,technology

Blog Topics: 

Privacy & Identity

Source: House alarms can’t stop scammers | Consumer Information

November 10, 2015

by 

Cristina Miranda

Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

We moved into our house and immediately installed an alarm system to keep us safe from the bad guys. But even the best house alarms can’t stop everything – like a scammer walking through your front door.

We heard about a new house alarm scam at the FTC’s recent Common Ground conference in Utah. Here’s how it happens:

A sales agent knocks on your door, claiming he’s there to upgrade or update your house alarm or home security system. It seems like he’s with the company you use – only he isn’t. He walks in, pulls out or disconnects your old system, and installs a new one without telling you. He then asks you to sign a document – but what you don’t know is that it’s a new contract.

Most people don’t know they’ve been scammed until they get a call from their original home security system company, saying the system isn’t responding. Or they start getting bills from two different alarm companies.

Here’s what to look out for to avoid this scam:

• Sales agents who say they represent your current security company and want to upgrade or install a new system. Or a sales person may claim that your security company has gone out of business, and say they’ve taken over your account. They might insist that you buy new equipment and sign new contracts. If that happens, call your current company to confirm, using the phone number on the paperwork you already have.
• Sales agents who push their way into your home, or refuse to leave. It’s always safer to say no to someone on your doorstep before they come in, rather than trying to get a salesperson out of your home. Firmly tell the person no. If they continue to pressure you, close the door and call the police.
• High-pressure or scare tactics. Limited time offers, and pressure to “act now” to protect yourself from supposed crime sprees in your neighborhood are often signs of a scam. Report it to the FTC.

Tagged with: home, scam

Blog Topics: 

Money & Credit, Homes & Mortgages

Source: Krebs on Security Ransomware Now Gunning for Your Web Sites

One of the more common and destructive computer crimes to emerge over the past few years involves ransomware — malicious code that quietly scrambles all of the infected user’s documents and files with very strong encryption.  A ransom, to be paid in Bitcoin, is demanded in exchange for a key to unlock the files. Well, now it appears fraudsters are developing ransomware that does the same but for Web sites — essentially holding the site’s files, pages and images for ransom.



Read article......

Sectors to Watch in Q4 2015 | Fidelity

Source: Medicare ‘Open Enrollment’ scams | Consumer Information

November 5, 2015

by 

Colleen Tressler

Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

The 2015 Medicare open enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7. It’s the time when Medicare recipients can comparison shop and make changes to their plans. It’s also a time when scammers take advantage of older consumers with ruses like these: 

• Someone calls and says you must join their prescription plan or you’ll lose your Medicare coverage. Don’t believe it. The Medicare prescription drug plan (also known asMedicare Part D) is voluntary and does not affect your Medicare coverage.
• Someone calls or emails claiming they need your Medicare number to update your account, get you a new card, or send you Medicare benefit information. It’s a scam. If you need help with Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE or go tomedicare.gov.
• Someone claiming to be a Medicare plan representative says they need “to confirm” your billing information by phone or online. Stop. It’s a scam. Plan representatives are not allowed to ask you for payment over the phone or online.
• Dishonest companies may offer you free medical exams or supplies. Be wary. It may be a trick to get and misuse your personal information.

Whenever someone asks for your bank account number or your Medicare number, stop. Only give personal or financial information when you have verified who you’re talking to. Call 1-800-MEDICARE to make sure you’re talking to a legitimate representative.

If you believe you or some you know is a victim of Medicare fraud, report it to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Call 1-800-447-8477 or visit stopmedicarefraud.gov.

If you gave out personal information, call your banks, credit card providers, health insurance company, and credit reporting companies immediately. The FTC’s website has more information on health care scams and medical identity theft.

Need help deciding on a plan? For free personalized counseling services, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program at shiptacenter.org or call 1-877-839-2675.

Tagged with: health, health insurance, identity theft, personal information, scam

Blog Topics: 

Health & Fitness, Privacy & Identity