Operators of Tech Support Scam Settle FTC Allegations they Tricked Consumers into Buying Computer Repair Services

Once they reached consumers, Elite ITs telemarketers often claimed to be associated with well-known companies like Microsoft and Yahoo!, and pressured consumers to provide access to their computers.

Metadata

Provider:

FTC

URL:

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2019/12/operators-tech-support-scam-settle-ftc-allegations-they-tricked

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Information

Tags:

Computer security software, System software, Software, Deception, Security breaches, Direct marketing, Non-store retailing, Telemarketing, Avira, Antivirus software, Computer virus

Summary

Key Points:

Once they reached consumers, Elite ITs telemarketers often claimed to be associated with well-known companies like Microsoft and Yahoo!, and pressured consumers to provide access to their computers.
The telemarketers then ran bogus diagnostic tests, claimed consumers computers and personal information were in imminent danger, and pitched consumers costly and unnecessary repair services and antivirus software.
Companies selling tech support services shouldnt misrepresent who they are and shouldnt scare consumers into buying services by falsely stating that a consumers computer is infected with viruses, said Andrew Smith, Director of the FTCs Bureau of Consumer Protection.
When companies trick people into buying unnecessary tech support services, the FTC will take decisive action to stop them.