Scam via Virtual Assistant???

[JBott12]

The Virtual Assistant connected me to a technician who connected my printer and them upgraded my security be he gave an incorrect phone number and email address so now I feel it was a scam. Any advice on where to go from here??

[Dragon-Fur]

@JBott12 

Welcome to the HP English Community --

The HP Virtual Assistant started from within an HP site or application cannot connect you with anything outside of its ability to answer a limited number of questions related to your original question.  The HPVA is tied to HP and cannot transfer you to thieves who want to "upgrade your security".

Yes, whatever happened to you was very likely a scam.

I am sorry that happened to you.

If you opened 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 Windows Defender to sour 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

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