(Toledo News Now) - Everyone knows what tech support is: It's the department that updates and can often fix issues with phones, computers, tablets and other gadgets. But scammers know that, too, and are now impersonating tech support centers more frequently.
It's become the newest scam on the market that can end up costing you. You should know - and warn others - about the top tech support scams of 2014.
The newest scam is said to be from Netflix.
It's an email message claiming your account is suspended and asks for customers to re-enter credit card information.
The bright, red Netflix logo, along with other design features, is so convincing that many people think it's the real deal.
Another claims to be from Verizon Wireless. "Tech support" contacts you with a problem about your account, then sends you to a "Verizon54" website for help.
But "Verizon54" is a bogus site, set up by foreign scammers. However, it's authentic looking and fools many people into entering their phone and credit card numbers.
The most common tech support scam, one we have been warning you about for a year, is a phone call from someone claiming to be a Microsoft technician. The person says, "We have done an online scan of your Windows system and want to alert you to some issues it has."
With this scam, a caller will instruct you to log on to your computer, then shows you the "errors" that can be fixed.
Many people are stunned to find this and then give their credit card number to have the technician fix their computer.
What you don't know is that all PCs have these same errors and there is really nothing at all to fix.
Plus, Microsoft will never call you about a problem.
Doesn't That Stink?
Why are these scams so effective? They know that millions of people have Microsoft PCs, Verizon phones and Netflix accounts, and their mimics of webpages and logos look real.
It's a triple threat: Fall for it and you'll be out money, your credit card will be compromised, and your computer could end up with malware installed.
Remember: Be very suspicious of any calls or e-mails that claim to be from a company you do business with, whether it's your bank, Verizon, Netflix, Microsoft or Apple. Tell them you will do some homework and call them back, before you divulge any information.
That way you don't waste your money.
