This scam didn’t stop after Prime Day, though. U.K. police have received several fraud reports matching the description above. And to make matters worse, these cybercriminals are borrowing tactics from classic “tech support” scams. Tap or click here to see how much your online accounts can sell for on Dark Web marketplaces.
Not just across the pond
Even though most of the victims appear to be U.K. residents, we have reason to believe the scam is here in the U.S. as well. The description matches an earlier version of the scheme reported by the Better Business Bureau. Scammers may not even ask for remote access to your computer. In this variant, they demand your card number upfront for tech support. No thanks. In another bizarre twist, the scammers are spoofing numbers belonging to other American companies — including the BBB! Tap or click here to see the area codes most commonly spoofed by robocallers. To stay safe in the future, keep these tips in mind: If you weren’t careful and fell for the scam, you’re not out of luck just yet. First, take a moment to scan your computer to ensure the cybercriminal didn’t leave malware behind. Tap or click here to see our favorite free online virus scanners. Next, contact your bank or financial institution to let them know you’re a victim of fraud. They’ll keep an eye on your account for any unusual activity. You can also set up two-factor authentication on your accounts to prevent unauthorized logins. Tap or click here to see how to set up 2FA for your bank accounts. Black Friday is still weeks away, so the schemes we’ll see are only just beginning. Scammers are out in droves every holiday season, but thanks to COVID-19 and quarantine, this year may be one of the worst yet.
