Scam

tt65616 · ‎02-02-2020

I recently switch to Windows 10 on a different computer and needed to install my HP Officejet 4652. I could not find the download and hit the chat on the HP page to see if they could find the software link for me. Instead they switched me to customer support which said they had to get on my computer to rectify the problem. They sent me a TeamViewer link and got on my computer to rectify the problem. As they were searching around I visually saw them turn off all my drivers and then told me I had a computer problem because all my drivers were not working. I was then told that for $63 they could get me fixed and working. That is when I canceled the call oh, did a further search and found the full software to install and all is working fine. Watch out for this scam!

Dragon-Fur · ‎02-02-2020

@tt65616

Yes, scam.

HP Drivers are always free.

Need drivers?

Visit your own printer / computer website support first:

Open Support Home

Enter the name of your device

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

For example, Open Category Software and Drivers

You have been ill-used and poorly treated. It is sad. I am sorry it happened.

So common - so many sites that will ask to take over your computer and then "do things" that should not be done.

They demand access and then want your credit card.

They might tell you "Oh, dear! Look at that, your computer is broken!"

For those reading,

In particular, there are a LOT of scammer 123 sites on the net. Not just one or two - many, many fake sites that take advantage of the unwary. And worse, later when you look in your history, the "trail" is pointing to HP.

Sinister bad guys - rodents of the worst kind.

Disclaimer:

Any characterization of these people is my opinion only.

For those reading:

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

The official HP 123 site is not a website where odd chat boxes pop up on the screen and someone tries to offer you "Services" if you would just give out your credit card and information. Not.

The "Real Deal"

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

https://123.hp.com/

Beware of Fake 123 printer sites

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

Notice the website address – the real HP site does not contain any extra verbiage. For example, there is no “setup” or other extra bits in the address.

HP websites are the only websites allowed to use the HP copyright circle/logo. Look for the copyright on any website claiming to be HP. If in doubt, scroll to the bottom of the Website to find HP copyright logo. Example: “© Copyright <year> HP Development Company, L.P.”

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

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

Document includes links to USA and Canadian authorities to report the incident.

Excerpted

Recently, HP has seen an increased number of third-party support websites selling HP driver downloads or diagnostic tools. Many of these websites use the HP trademark symbol and claim to be official HP distributors.

If your product supports your operating system, HP offers your driver and software at no additional cost through the HP website.

Use caution when dealing with any website that asks you to pay for HP driver downloads or tools that claim to diagnose your HP products. These websites might not be affiliated with HP in any way.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.

We are a world community of HP enthusiasts dedicated to supporting HP technology.

Dragon-Fur

JimCon21 · ‎03-20-2020

Think I had the same. looked like I was following a genuine HP link from their log in. - tread carefully but again they put remote control on. when they started talking 200dollars to fix my system checked out - HP. are you aware of this

Dragon-Fur · ‎03-20-2020

@JimCon21

I am sorry that happened to you.

These vermin are sneaky and bold.

If you did let these people into your computer, use your very best security software to scan every bit of the system.

Change your passwords to everything that might have had any log / record of that password. For example, as surprising as it is, some people do keep plain text files on their computers that contain passwords to critical data.

Assume that if vermin get in even for a couple of minutes, that they know what they are after, they know where this sort of data is stored, and they how to access it. The theft is vicious and it might take only a few seconds (admittedly some thieves are less skilled and may need to actually poke around a bit).

Yes, HP is aware. So is every single other large company whose customers have been victimized.

If you think your situation warrants it at all, you may report the incident to your government entities that gather and use this type of information to track and stop these vermin.

Unfortunately , although there is some good information provided in the document, the following does not include the equivalent link(s) to your regional fraud reporting agency. I would guess a quick search on the 'net will help you find to whom the report should be sent in your location.