Scammed by Geek Autobuzz

[cpbaker71]

When my HP8170 began to malfunction, I contacted HP support. A HP technician accessed my computer and confirmed that the printer was kaput. They sent me a new printer., but also recommended that because my computer was running slow, they would have a tech representative call me. I don't recall the exact chronology, but I then received a call from XTech Assist, claiming to represent HP.  I was passed between three different people, to whom I granted access to my computer after committing to pay for a security repair they said was needed. I just discovered I've been debited $1,199 by Geek Autobuzz. An online search tells me that both XTech Assist and Geek Autobuzz are scam operators! 

What do I need to do now to secure my system? Has it been compromised? How did XTech get my contact? My recollection tells me it was via HP support.

[NonSequitur777]

@cpbaker71,

Welcome to our HP Community forum!

I contacted/flagged an HP moderator to look into your issue.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @cpbaker71,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm very sorry to hear what happened, especially after you were seeking support for your printer. I understand why you're concerned about both the unauthorized charge and the security of your computer.
 

To help us better understand the situation and determine the appropriate next steps, could you please provide a few additional details?

• Do you recall whether you clicked on any links in an email, text message, or pop-up before speaking with XTech Assist?
• Did you locate the phone number yourself, or did they contact you after your interaction with HP Support?
• Do you have the phone number, email address, website, or any documentation that XTech Assist or Geek Autobuzz provided? If so, please share those details (you can send them privately if they contain personal information), and we'll do our best to review them.
• Did the technicians install any software or remote access application on your computer (such as AnyDesk, TeamViewer, UltraViewer, or another program)? If you know the name of the application, please let us know.
   

In the meantime, I recommend taking the following precautions:

• Disconnect your computer from the internet until you're able to verify that it is secure.
• Uninstall any remote access software that was installed during the support session, if it is still present.
• Run a full antivirus and antimalware scan using Microsoft Defender or another trusted security solution.
• Change the passwords for your important accounts (email, banking, shopping, etc.) from a device you know is secure.
• Since you've identified an unexpected $1,199 charge, contact your bank or credit card provider immediately to report the transaction and discuss options such as disputing the charge and monitoring your account for additional unauthorized activity.

Once you share the information about how XTech Assist contacted you and any links, emails, or websites involved, we'll do our best to help determine whether the contact was related to a legitimate HP interaction or an unrelated third party and guide you with the next steps.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!