Scam from HP tech support.

[469029]

I contacted HP support  through 123.hp.com needing help with setting up my new printer. I was told a technician would call me back and one did within 5 mins. I provided access to my computer to trouble shoot why my new printer wasn't installing. He proceeded to "run tests" and scare me about having my IP address infected with Pegasus as "thousands of infected files" scroled across my screen. He wanted to have me install Norton 360 with Lifelock and to consent to an "internet specialist from the security team" to come on line to  install it and clean my computer. I started asking questions about who this technician was and why HP would be promoting Norton. He insisted it was based on his 15 years experience in IT and  he was just helping me out the way he always does. He claimed that he always advises his customers to clean their computers every 3 months and I shoukd sign up for a 2-7 year plan that wukd be more economical that one year. He was pretty slick in his explanations and also pulled up a graphic of a firewall to show me what he thought I was missing in my cyber security. He then  told me to have everyone in the household  stop using the wifi while the process began. I guess so we couldn't search online to see if his story rang true? I smelled a rotten fish but was worried about those supposed Pegasus files so pushed further with more questions. He claimed the Internet Specialist I would be connected to was from Lumina Tech Ventures and he pulled their website up on my screen to show me it was legitimate. He was working way too hard to persuade me I needed this software, and bringing in yet a third, unaffiliated company got me even more suspicious. Why would a HP tech support  person be pushing me to get a firewall and to purchase an tech support package through another provider? I am assuming it was all a scam. The question is HOW do  these people intercept legitimate  HP tech support requests? And what was he doing on my computer in the background during his presentation that was aimed at intimidating me? I declined and unplugged  my internet. Very worrying that these  scam artists are so skilled   

[Repairatrooper]

Glad to hear that you were able to determine that you were in contact with someone with ill intent. The number of ways that these criminals gain access is vast. It could be as simple as a mis-spelled URL or a hijacked cookie or a piece of code inserted during what you thought was a legitimate download. 

[10410]

This is amazing, as I have a similar ticket. One of the HP Team Leader suggested to have an Hp Tech to help me accessing the scanning function, albeit my repeated notification-which is already known by HP-that my Hp Printer All-in- One 9015e is not compatible with my MacBook Catalina (OS 10.15.7). To make my story short, the assigned tech dove in, asking permission to get in my computer which I did, unfortunately. He started to play around looking for data history that took sometime to the extent that I shut my computer off.

The he call me back asking what happened, I said that “ you might not interested in the issue, because my  printer is not compatible with Mac’s OS less than 11. So, what’s the deal. He then withdrew stating that I should get what’s needed to make my printer functions. Well, few days, later I got notification that my SS, emails, pass word all are compromised. I have no clue what’s going on with my beloved HP.