Tech Support Scam

[DMB66]

I had a problem connecting my HP printer to my wifi and MacBook. Went to the HP support website and followed the instructions from the chat. The HP chat asked me for a phone number and said a tech support person would be contacting me shortly, which seemed to be legitimate HP support. The tech on the phone asked permission to access my computer directly. Foolishly, I allowed the connection against my better judgement, but I trusted HP support. The tech told me my.  The tech told me my computer had been infected with malware and this was why my printer wasn't connecting. She showed me on my screen what looked like legitimate proof.  They ran a program for two hours to clean the computer of malware and breaches and said they would call back when this finished--the screen had what looked like live accounting of the cleaning.  After the cleaning appeared to be done, another tech called and reconnected my printer. Later, the original tech called and said the fee was $199.  However, she began trying to sell me a protection program that had three tiers (3 yr for 400; 5 yr for 800; life for 1400)--like a car salesperson she went off the phone to "negotiate" with her superior, I suppose. I'm very concerned that I stupidly gave access to my computer. Does HP really sell such products? Is this a scam. If so, I wanted to let people knoow.

[Dragon-Fur]

@DMB66 

Welcome to the HP Community --

I am sorry this happened to you.

Rats and Scoundrels, every one of them.

Unfortunately --

It was all lies.

You were never any closer to actual HP Support than you are to me - so, not close.

It's common -- there are thousands of scam sites and it's easy to trip over one of them.

As long as you do not give out your bank information or let the scoundrels into your computer for a walk-about in your file system, the damage might be limited to having been made wiser the hard way.

If you did not come away unscathed,

• Contact your bank - Ask if they will help in spite of your authorizing the charges.
• Try to remove everything and anything the rats installed on your computer
• Scrub your computer with your own security software
• Report the incident to the authorities
• Talk to a friend, colleague, or family member if you need emotional or practical advice to move forward.

READ – Be Informed – Be Aware

 HP Fraud Alert: Protecting Yourself from Scams | HP® Official Site

 HP Fraud Alert: Protect Yourself from Scams, Report Suspicious Calls

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HP Service - Printer Setup

123.hp.com - Printer setup from the HP® Official site

https://123.hp.com/

Beware of Fake Sites

Be very careful when out on the Internet looking for help - one little dot, space, or letter out of place can land you in trouble.

The official HP 123 site is where you can find the appropriate (and free) software and drivers for your printer.

There are many “fake” sites listed (in search engines) for “123” – please make sure you are using the actual “HP” site.

If you are asked for money to correct "issues" on your printer or computer OR if the “help” wants to sell you software, threatens you, or wants access to your computer, you are using a “fake” site. Do not give these people your information! 

Finally...

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Important

Never post private information in the HP Community!

Thieves are waiting - do not just hand out your privacy to their keeping.

HP Support does not free-post phone numbers for HP Support on the Internet.

Your computer is not full of bugs and you do not need to pay a fee for driver support.

Pay attention to where you are going.

Do not wander around on the Internet looking for help –

When looking for help, start only at legitimate web sites for your product

• HP Support  HP World-Wide Support
•  Store/HP.com USA HP Sales and Customer Service

Not your HP store? 

Scroll to the bottom of the store website and click the Flag to change regions.

• HP products, start here in the HP Community or at the HP Website
• Microsoft / Windows - start at Microsoft Web Site 
• Printer Software - 123.hp.com - Printer setup from the HP® Official site
• Combined Printer, Support, and Ink Subscription Service -  HP All-In Plan - Printer / Ink / Support
• Help with Instant Ink / Contact Information - HP Instant Ink Support - Website 
• Out-of-Warranty > Paid Subscription or One Time Help: -  HP SmartFriend Services | HP® Official Site
  • Open the SmartFriend Data Sheet - Contact Information 
  • Scroll down to section “Service by Region” and check the contact options in your region / location.

Do not be a victim.

Remain vigilant.

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