Why Tech Support Scams Still Work in 2024
Despite widespread awareness, tech support scams continue to claim thousands of victims each year. We examine why these schemes remain so effective.
1A Scam That Refuses to Die
Tech support scams have been around for over a decade, yet they continue to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in losses annually. The FTC received over 24,000 reports of tech support fraud in 2023, with total losses exceeding $800 million.
2They Target Genuine Fear
The most effective tech support scams tap into a real and legitimate fear: that your computer might be compromised. When a popup appears claiming your device is infected with a virus and your personal data is at risk, the emotional response can override rational thinking.
3The Fake Evidence Trick
Once on the phone, scammers walk victims through their own computer to show them the problem. They direct people to open Event Viewer, a legitimate Windows tool that always contains warning and error logs — even on perfectly healthy computers.
4How to Protect Yourself and Others
The single most important thing to remember: Microsoft, Apple, Google, and your internet provider will never call you unsolicited about a problem with your computer. If you see a scary popup with a phone number, close your browser — do not call the number.
Written by
Tom Bradley
Tom Bradley is a cybersecurity educator and former IT security consultant who specializes in social engineering awareness training.
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