FRAUD ALERT: Fake Law Firm Threatens Victims of Tech Support Scam

New Twist on an Existing Scam.

With the tech support scam, you get an online popup or a call from a well-known tech company (like Microsoft or Apple) that a virus has

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been identified on your computer. The scammer convinces you that he can fix the problem for a fee. Victims who catch on and stop payment are now getting hit with an associated scam.

How It Works:

• You cancel payment for the fake tech support you purchased only to receive an official-looking letter from a law firm.

• The letter says that by not paying for the tech support you signed up for, you are committing an act of “civil theft” and will be responsible for the cost of the service plus court fees.

• The letter threatens legal action if you do not pay a specified amount, providing a case number and phone number for you to contact within 24 hours.

What You Should Know:

• The letter at first is alarming and looks legitimate – until you slow down and look at it more carefully, at which point you see grammatical and typographical errors.

What You Should Do:

• Read the letter carefully, looking for telltale signs of a scam.
• Look up the law firm online to see if there’s any trace of it.
• Report the scam to www.ftc.gov/complaint.
• If you are unsure, call AARP’s Fraud Watch Helpline for guidance at 1-877-908-3360.

When it comes to fraud, vigilance is our number one weapon. You have the power to protect yourself and your loved ones from scams. Please share this alert with friends and family.