Tech Support Scams
- Juanita Headley
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Challenges of Modern Technology
With advancements in technology, it feels like the world is moving so fast, that it's hard to keep up, something the lock down had a lot to do with.
We are now in a time that customer service seems to almost completely have moved online, in an era that strongly resembles a cashless society and the accessibility of information is now frequently via QR codes.
As someone who can no longer be considered the “younger generation,” I personally don't like a lot of these changes, which although relatively simple in nature, are not always the most convenient or scam proof.
The consequence of this, is that they increase the vulnerability of individuals, primarily those over 60, but also those who aren't particularly tech savvy.
Understanding the Threat
When we consider this fact, we understand why tech scams are primarily aimed at this demographic of people.
However, at the same time, it isn't just age that makes a person vulnerable, but also unfamiliarity which was something I personally experienced.
In fact, despite knowing the right steps to take, I could have recently become a victim of a tech support scam.
On the day in question, I had been on the internet doing research on anti-scams, reading articles, watching documentaries, and listening to podcasts. I have no idea which website I may have clicked on, but the fact that I was actively researching anti-scams did not prevent me from experiencing a tech scam attempt.
All of a sudden, my screen was taken over. There was a loud siren sound similar to an alarm, and a message appeared saying that I had been blocked due to illegal activity. As someone who works in anti-sex trafficking, this immediately caused me grave concern. I wondered if I had accidentally clicked on illegal content, which would have been a serious criminal offense.
The combination of the loud alarm and the screen takeover was unsettling. The instructions on the screen told me not to turn off my device and to call a phone number. Receiving all of that information threw me for a loop.
One of the first things I knew was to never call the number displayed on the screen during a possible tech support scam. Fortunately, as I had more than one device, I used my phone to Google the authentic Microsoft support number. This proved difficult because the information I found directed me to online support rather than a human call center representative.
Despite knowing better, I felt the temptation to call the number on the screen. Now, I want readers to understand that even someone like myself, familiar with anti-scams can experience this pull. Whereas people who are not in the field may have no idea to check online first and might immediately call the scam number.
Fortunately, I took a photograph of the screen and uploaded it to SAGO by Mythos Lab. However, I did not reach out to friends at the time; only telling them afterward, which was another mistake.
The reality is, even tech-savvy people may not think to consult others immediately. A loud siren going off continuously can unsettle anyone, affecting their ability to think clearly. Muting the sound allowed me to regain focus.
Eventually, I disregarded the screen instructions and turned off my computer. When I turned it back on, it functioned normally, and the scam screen never reappeared.
Although this entire experience lasted less than ten minutes, my first reactions were not to tell friends or upload to SAGO by Mythos Lab, I actually contemplated doing the wrong thing, even though I knew better.
This incident demonstrates that even experts with tools, resources, and connections can be caught off guard. The design of tech support scams is to create panic, confusion, and urgency, making anyone vulnerable, regardless of knowledge or experience, something I can personally attest to.
Therefore, the best way to avoid a tech support scam is by:
Not panicking;
Muting your device if it's making a noise;
Never calling or messaging the phone number that appears on your screen;
Using Google to find the official phone number or other contact information of Microsoft or the other relevant tech support company;
Taking a screenshot or picture of the error or warning message;
Sending that picture to SAGO by Mythos Lab;
Not inputting your card details;
Restarting your computer;
Seeking help from a computer expert, rather than a friend or family member who may not realize it's a scam;
Downloading anti virus software after researching the legitimacy of the company and reading reviews.
