By Kathy Stokes, AARP Fraud Watch Network™
Customer service is supposed to help solve problems, but criminals increasingly impersonate customer support representatives to steal money and personal information. Scammers may send an alarming notice about an account, create fake customer-service websites that appear in online searches, or respond to complaints posted on social media. Their goal is to convince you to provide sensitive information, send money, or give them remote access to your device.
Watch for These Warning Signs
- Unexpected messages claiming there is an urgent problem in your account.
- Requests to install software thatgives someone remote access toyour device.
- Requests for passwords, sensitive personal information, or unusual forms of payment such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
- Customer-service numbers found through unfamiliar websites or advertisements.
Protect Yourself
- Don’t use links or phone numbers contained in unexpected account alerts. Instead, access the company’s official website or app directly.
- Find customer-service numbers on the company’s official website or a recent statement.
- If you’ve sent money to a scammer, immediately contact your financial institution or gift card issuer to see whether the transaction can be stopped.
- Report customer-support scams to local law enforcement or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov.
Knowledge gives you power over scams. AARP Fraud Watch Network™ provides information and resources to help consumers recognize and avoid fraud.
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