Tech Support Scams are on the Rise

August 18, 2021

Kellie M. Spawton

Did you get a phone call from Microsoft or Apple, or another tech company, telling you there’s a virus on your computer? Or a pop-up warning saying your computer is infected and you must call a number right away? Or an email or text message saying something is wrong with your computer? Or a call from a tech company saying you are owed a refund?

Legitimate tech support companies won’t contact you by phone, email, or text message to tell you there’s something wrong with your computer, and pop-up warnings from real tech companies will never ask you to call a phone number. They also will not call to tell you that you are owed a refund.

If you receive a call, and the “tech support” wants to remote into your computer, don’t let them. If they ask you to log into your online banking, they are going to try to scam you – especially if they say it is for a refund. If they ask for payment in non-traditional ways, like a wire transfer, mailing cash, or gift cards, they are trying to scam you.

At OceanFirst, we want to help you keep your money safe. If you suspect a problem with your computer, update your security software and run a scan, or contact someone you know and trust for help. Stores that sell computer equipment also offer technical support in person. If you think you may have been a victim of a tech support imposter scam, please call our Customer Care Center at 888-623-2698 so we can help you take steps to protect your accounts.

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