Tech Scams in San Diego to Look Out For

Scams targeted towards senior citizens are becoming more and more prevalent nationwide, especially tech scams in San Diego County. A few months back, you may have heard on the news about a local elderly woman losing about $200,000 from a tech support scam. Following that investigation, the District Attorney’s office, the FBI, and San Diego Police Department had a press conference for warning the public about the rise in frequency of this scam. They also shared that San Diego seniors have been scammed out upwards of $76 million from elder fraud cases like this. Below is more information to help prevent this happening to you or a loved one. (The following content is provided by SDNews.com)

Forms of Tech Scams

The scammer says your longtime trusted financial advisors are under investigation and can’t be trusted.
There is a court order saying you must remain silent about being hacked.
The scammer strikes every so often making you think your computer has a new virus that you must pay to have removed each time.
The credit card or banking information you provided to stop the virus may have unauthorized use.
Your computer may get infected with spyware or remote access software allowing access to personal and financial records.
You’re told to deposit your money into a ‘government’ account where it will be safe.

Tips for Computer Safety

Do not call phone numbers on pop-up ads about computer security.
The best way to keep your computer safe from viruses is to update its security software.
If you have concerns about the security settings or viruses on your computer, take it to a reputable brick and mortar computer repair business and ask them to sweep your computer for remote access software and other harmful software.
If you get a pop-up ad that takes up your screen, has no way to close and suggests you click on it as the only way to rid the screen of the intrusion, take the computer to a professional repair shop.

Don’t Click, Call or Answer If:

You get a phone call you didn’t expect saying there is a problem with your computer.
You get a message that a foreign spammer attacked your system and you need to pay to protect your banking information.
If you are asked to make payment in Bitcoin (cryptocurrency) or wire transfer, it is a scam.

The DA’s Consumer Protection Unit is comprised of Deputy District Attorneys, Investigators and Paralegals dedicated to protecting consumers and law-abiding businesses from fraudulent or unfair business practices. To report a consumer complaint, you can call (619) 531-3507 or email consumer@sdcda.org. If you have been the victim of elder abuse, report it to Adult Protective Services: (800) 339-4661.

Sources: SDNews.com, ABC 10