In this scam, you are contacted by someone via email, phone, pop-ups, etc., claiming to be from:

1. A tech support company, utility company, or a government affiliate like the IRS, or

2. A “fraud department”

These scammers will ask you to wire money OR download an app/visit a website so that they can help you.  Ignore these requests.  They are scams. 

Here are some important points to keep in mind:

• A fraudster may tell you that they work for your bank or credit union’s “fraud department”, and you must wire funds to them. This is a  fraud! Hang up the phone and call your financial institution directly or go to a branch in person.

• Any communication from a software or anti-virus company (such as Microsoft)  must be initiated by you . They will not call you and ask for money or gift cards, or ask you to send money.

• Microsoft does not send unsolicited email messages or make unsolicited phone calls to request personal or financial information or provide technical support.

• A legitimate company will  never ask that you pay for support in the form of cryptocurrency, gift cards, or a wire transfer.

• A fraudster, pretending to be someone who will “help” you, may ask you to download an app or visit a website that is used to remotely access your device (i.e., AnyDesk, TeamViewer, RemotePC, LogMeIn, GoToAssist, etc.).  Do not allow anyone to remotely access your home computer or phone.