Phony Tech Support Specialists Continue to Target Your Personal Information

Phony help desk specialists are targeting North Carolina consumers with unsolicited calls and emails. If you get a message from someone claiming to be tech support, DO NOT give them access to your computer under any circumstance.

Scammers pose as brand-name software or hardware companies, Microsoft, Apple, Dell, HP and others—and claim your PC or Mac is infected or malfunctioning. They then guide you to download fake diagnostic tools or allow remote-access software, giving them control of your files, browser history and personal data.

In a recent twist, fraudsters impersonate government agencies like the Global Privacy Enforcement Network, warning that your email account has been hacked and legal action is imminent unless you grant them immediate access. When you question their claims, they turn up the pressure.

These con artists exploit legitimate security advice, install antivirus, update your system—and turn it into a money-making scheme. Their goal is to sell unnecessary services, demand payment via gift cards or steal credentials to empty your accounts.

If you receive a call, pop-up or email claiming to be tech support, keep these tips in mind:

• Never share personal, financial or login information with unsolicited callers or emails
• Tech companies do not make unsolicited support calls, hang up immediately
• Reject any remote-access request; legitimate support directs you to official websites or verified apps
• Do not click links in suspicious emails or pop-ups; visit the vendor’s official site directly
• Beware of urgent language or threats, high-pressure tactics are hallmarks of scams
• Use unique strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication on critical accounts
• Install reputable security software and keep your operating system patched
• Limit administrative privileges on your computer, use a standard user account for daily tasks

For more advice on avoiding tech-support and government-imposter scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s pages on Tech Support Scams and Government Imposter Scams.

If you’ve encountered a phony tech support call or email in North Carolina, report it to the NC Department of Justice Consumer Protection Division at ncdoj.gov/complaints or call 1‑877‑566‑7226.

You can also file a complaint with the FTC online at reportfraud.ftc.gov or by calling 1‑877‑FTC‑HELP (1‑877‑382‑4357).