Got Scammed on Fake 123 Site - October 10, 2023

[Dawg92]

While setting up a new HP printer, I went to what I thought was the 123.hp.com website.  Turned out it was a scam website where I got an "error" message saying to call a support number to help install HP Smart.  Since I thought I was calling an HP number from a website listed in my printer setup directions, I allowed them to connect via Quick Assist and the person went about showing me how there were Trojans on my computer and I needed a firewall between my laptop and router.  The person then asked if I wanted to be connected to a certified HP professional to resolve the problem and I said no and ended the call.

I immediately started searching Google for this type of scam and could not find anything, however I finally snooped around enough and found a related post on this message board.

Fortunately I did not provide any personal information or account numbers, however it still freaks me out that I allowed the person to access my computer and they were running things in my command prompt.  I feel stupid falling for it but I couldn't figure out what I had done wrong in the installation process.

Any suggestions other than changing passwords and such to protect my computer and home wifi network after this happened?

Thanks!

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@Dawg92 

Welcome to the HP Community --

Unfortunately, you are right -- you were snared in a foul trap.

We are sorry this happened.

Unfortunately, having let someone into your computer is about as bad as anything else.

Consider that while the rat was tracking around in your computer, they had access to everything in the system that is not encrypted.   That includes any information you actually gave them (passwords, router access) plus all documents, pictures, records, photos of your kids, calendars -- whatever they could steal, in fact.

Did that happen?  Depends on the thief.  Some rats are more malicious than others.

I've sent your concern and your image data to our Moderators for evaluation.

Should there be a response, look for a message here before the agent uses other means to contact you.

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

The "Real Deal"

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

https://123.hp.com/

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 log into your computer, you are using a “fake” site. Do not give these people your information! 

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

People who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"

[Dawg92]

Thank you for your comments Dragon Fur!  If nothing else maybe this will help other people be aware.

[Dragon-Fur]

@Dawg92 

You are welcome.

I'm sorry I don't actually have anything positive to contribute -- it's unfortunate.

It doesn't help but you are very much not the only one to which this has happened.

HP and all the legitimate companies are plagued by these "fill in whatever description you like here" scammers.

Contact your bank in case you had anything laying around (documents) that might have provided private information.

Do change every password you have ever used that is mentioned on that computer (browsers and social media sites, for example).

Forgive yourself.  This was a sneaky rat that barged through your normal caution.

Talk to someone about your experience -- shared pain is not pain halved but it is useful to see what help others can offer.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

People who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"

[Dawg92]

Thank you Pronasit, those are helpful recommendations!

[Buddy236]

11/4/2023 scam still active.

[Dragon-Fur]

@Dawg92 

Makes sense -- Scam sites don't disappear unless there is legal pressure for them to cease and desist.

Assuming a scam site is charged with doing evil deeds, the process to stop the rats is not always as quick as we'd like.

Some sites are so evil that a more concerted effort is necessary, often directed by the FBI or National Security.

Printer and other device support scams are prolific.

Even if shut down, they frequently came back under a new website name.

What?  The money generated by these schemes is a powerful incentive to desperate scoundrels.

Stay vigilant.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

People who own, use, and support HP devices.

[kitkat888]

Same exact thing happened to me yesterday.  I'm pretty good at recognizing scams, but they had me fooled.  Very knowledgeable of computer, smooth talkers that made you laugh etc.  However, when the last guy called me back, my cell said SUSPECTED SPAM.  I answered and told him what it said and he made some excuse.  The last thing, for all that has been scammed or not, I ran a TASK MANAGER and there it was!  They were still in my computer after we hung up.  So I deleted it.  We were lucky.  Hubby and I didn't feel right at the end and I basically told them off, and they hung up on me.  We had used 2 computers and I had to do a task manager on that one too.....and it was still running.  Problem is, I don't know what they "stole" from my computer.  So I'm sitting here changing my financial passwords etc, and will be keeping an eye on all my credit cards, bank accounts, etc.  I hope you don't get scammed for the $1500 they wanted.  I think what led me to believe it was not a scam, was I went to HP website like my printer said, to download scanner drivers.  Then a pop up chat appeared, and then it happened.  

[marija6]

Hi! This just happened to me today while trying to set up my new printer. I have changed pretty much all important passwords and have factory reset my computer and wiped everything. I’m wondering how much info they were able to get away with. I hung up once I felt it wasn’t right when they started talking about purchasing plans. I didn’t give away any personal info, but I’m worried what info they got while having control of my computer. Have you had any problems since this happened to you with fraud or anything with ssn? I’m so worried!

[JKC17]

The same thing happened to me last week. only I was using their chat bot then someone called me. Essentially the same stuff happened - said I had a trojan horse on my static IP address. Wanted to have 'expert fix it for $150 which sounded fishy. I said I would think about it and took their number.  It was the same number they called me on.

[content removed]  in case anyone wants to check it out.