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Tech Support Scams
Medium SeverityTech support scams cost consumers $1.2B annually in the US
Tech support scams use fake security alerts or subscription renewal notices to trick victims into calling a fraudulent helpdesk. Scammers then convince victims to install remote access software or pay for unnecessary "repairs."
How it works
- Email claims your computer is infected or a subscription is auto-renewing
- A phone number is prominently displayed to "cancel" or "fix" the issue
- Calling connects to a scam call center posing as Microsoft, Apple, etc.
- Scammers request remote access to your computer or payment for fake services
Red flags to watch for
- Microsoft/Apple never sends unsolicited security alert emails
- Phone number instead of a website link for support
- Fake subscription renewal for a product you don't use
- Requests to install remote desktop software
Real-world example
Subject: Your Norton subscription ($499.99) has been auto-renewed
From: norton-billing@securityalert-center.com
“Your Norton 360 Premium subscription has been renewed for $499.99. If you did not authorize this charge, call our billing department immediately at 1-888-XXX-XXXX to request a refund.”
How to protect yourself
- Never call phone numbers from unsolicited emails
- Check your actual subscriptions through the vendor's official website
- Never allow remote access to your computer from an unsolicited contact
- SiftMail quarantines fake support emails automatically
How SiftMail detects this
SiftMail detects tech support scams through spam keyword patterns, suspicious sender domains, and content analysis that identifies fake billing/subscription language.
Stop tech support scams before they reach your inbox
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