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- HP Community
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- Got scammed by one of your guys

Create an account on the HP Community to personalize your profile and ask a question
03-19-2025 04:46 PM
I called you guys up and a guy named John took over my computer on the ultra viewer. Fixed the problem with my printer and then afterwards restarted the computer and there's no Wi-Fi. Even if I hook up the ethernet cable I still cannot get internet. He told me to buy a cable for my computer so I did so I can hook up the ethernet cable to give him a call. I did but the number he gave me does not work and I call HP number
03-19-2025 05:02 PM
Welcome to the HP English Community --
I believe you have been scammed but not by HP.
I am sorry for that.
If you found John on the Internet, no matter what he said and no matter what he claimed, he is not HP.
There are thousands of scam sites on the Net --
Sure, some of the people hosting the scams might be named John.
Having let someone you do not know into your computer, missing Wi-Fi might be the least of your troubles.
If you gave the John person your banking information, they have that, too.
If John installed anything on the computer, think seriously about removing it as best you can.
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When you open a "Not-HP" website, then anything you find on that website could be suspect, including pop-ups, virtual assistants, phone numbers, chat, any attempt to get your phone number, threats, begging, cajoling, or sneaking around.
Certainly anyone wanting remote access to your computer or private information is a giant red flag.
Not-HP websites are everywhere on the Internet -- the owners of those websites might be honest, somewhat devious, or the worst of thieves and scoundrels.
If you gave away remote access to your computer, then anything in that computer that is not hidden behind encryption is susceptible to being compromised. Depending on the type of breach, the skill of the thieves, and their intent - "compromised" can mean installing unknown software or malware, accessing your private files, and perhaps even copying those files or pictures.
What to do?
All of these and more...
- Change all your passwords -- including those for your network and router.
- Contact your bank - try to reverse charges for any supposed "security software" or "firewall protection". Ask your bank to put a freeze on mysterious charges that show up. True, there is a limit to what some banks will do; trying is better than not.
- Remove whatever software you know the thieves installed.
- Use your own security software or, for Windows use Windows Defender to scour your computer for bugs, malware, monitoring software.
- Report the incident to the authorities.
- Perhaps warn your friends, colleagues, or other contacts about being contacted by "unknown" people.
- Block any contact with the thieves - on phone, email, and text.
What can we do?
I've sent your comments to our Moderators for Review and evaluation.
Should there be a response, look for a message here before the agent uses other methods to contact you.
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Request for Review – Please Read
A request has been submitted to our HP Community moderators for review and evaluation of your concern.
Worth Noting
- Our HP Community is a peer-to-peer user group.
- We are not HP Technical Support -- We are not associated with HP Sales, Service, or Warranty.
- Our request for assistance on your behalf does not guarantee HP will respond nor does our request influence the outcome.
- The time frame (how long it takes) to receive a response from HP is not controlled by the Community.
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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.
One dot, one letter, a single space out of place can land you on the dark side.
==========================================================
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.
One dot, one letter, a single space out of place can land you on the dark side.
- 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
- Help with Instant Ink - HP Instant Ink Support - Website
- Combined Printer, Support, and Ink Subscription Service - HP All-In Plan - Printer / Ink / Support
- 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.
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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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References / Resources
HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources
Learn about your Printer - Solve Problems
“Things that are your printer”
When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic
NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System
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