15°C New York
April 25, 2024
Crack-Down initiated on Internet Tech Support Scams by FTC
News

Crack-Down initiated on Internet Tech Support Scams by FTC

May 15, 2017
Listen to this article

The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) is not letting up in its mission to free the world of tech support scammers. The FTC officials have revealed a legal campaign and named it “Operation Tech Trap” in a bid to crack down on frauds relying on a mix of web pop-ups and phone calls to terrify you into paying up. This effort includes 4 fresh complaints from Florida, Colorado, Ohio and Alabama. At least 2 settlements from Florida and Connecticut took place with charges against 7 people and 2 of them have already declared guilty. It has been considered a public show of the FTC as it is a significant amount of bust, but most of the committers were specifically deceptive.

Crack-Down initiated on Internet Tech Support Scams by FTC

In most of the cases, scams often generate fake alerts that claim your PC is hacked or infected and redirect you to call a toll-free number for further help. They often add a countdown to make it visible such as your files will be destroyed if you don’t respond. When you try to call, you will be prompt to telemarketers referred as technicians (falsely mentions from Apple or Microsoft). They insist your system is infected and offer to repair or protect your system by paying hundreds of U.S dollars. The current action shouldn’t be considered an end to the dishonest activities. It also shows that the FTC is looking to make a concerted effort to crack down on these doubtful pop-ups.