Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

There’s a new twist on tech-support scams — you know, the one where crooks try to get access to your computer or sensitive information by offering to “fix” a computer problem that doesn’t actually exist. Lately, we’ve heard reports that people are getting calls from someone claiming to be from the Global Privacy Enforcement Network. Their claim? That your email account has been hacked and is sending fraudulent messages. They say they’ll have to take legal action against you, unless you let them fix the problem right away.

If you raise questions, the scammers turn up the pressure – but they’ve also given out phone numbers of actual Federal Trade Commission staff (who have been surprised to get calls). The scammers also have sent people to the actual website for the Global Privacy Enforcement Network. (It’s a real thing: it’s an organization that helps governments work together on cross-border privacy cooperation.)

Here are few things to remember if you get any kind of tech-support call, no matter who they say they are:

·         Don’t give control of your computer to anyone who calls you offering to “fix” your computer.

·         Never give out or confirm your financial or sensitive information to anyone who contacts you.

·         Getting pressure to act immediately? That’s a sure sign of a scam. Hang up.

·         If you have concerns, contact your security software company directly. Use contact information you know is right, not what the caller gives you.