Tech Support Scam Numbers are on the Rise
Around two years ago a Microsoft tech support scam urging users to seek assistance for falsely identified issue with their computers was discovered and prevented. Recently, this scam has been on the rise again.
The scam will use browser lockers (a script that disallows victims to leave a web page using normal methods) to trap a user onto a page and attempt to convince them that there is an issue with their computer. To trick their targets the scammers will normally pose as a member of an authorized Microsoft support team or as being from Malwarebytes. The user is prompted to call a tech-support number where they are encouraged to download an app infected with ransomware which gives the scammers control of the device. From there, the hackers will try to push a support plan onto the victim to buy.
Like most ransomware attacks the scam relies heavily on social engineering. The pop up urging you that there is an issue with your device states that the call will originally go through some customer service company before being forwarded to their tech support team. This way there is less confusion for the victim when the number they call is clearly not associated with Microsoft or a Malwarebytes team.
The scammers use the names GeeksHelp and AmericaGeeks in order to appear like a certified support team to their victims. The rebirth of this scam may be a result of other web-scams decreasing in efficiency as of late, as well as the lack of success in phone-based scams.
Tech support scams can be tricky. Browser lockers tend to cause people to panic and make hasty decisions. This can cause someone to mistakenly play into the scammers hands. If you are unsure if a pop up is a scam or real (it’s probably a scam) or are unsure as to how to handle it, call Groff NetWorks at (518) 320-8906 for immediate real, non-scam, IT support.