Was I scammed by HP or someone poising as HP???

[Barry330]

This is not about a printer issue, this is about whether or not I was scammed!

I went to hpconnected.com, which is the site suggested by HP when I first purchased my computer, seven years ago. I believe I called a phone number. Before I knew it, I was transferred to a third party who said they did HP help and troubleshooting. Of course, he wanted to be able to "look at my computer" so told me I had to download   [Content Removed]    which sounds like an Indian site, I'm guessing. I was suspicious but they answered my questions and I went ahead. 

I want to confirm this with HP but I find it impossible to get any contact info for HP. Has anyone experienced anything like this?

[Dragon-Fur]

@Barry330 

Welcome to the HP English Community --

A long ago (a few to several years), there was "HP Connected".

Some time ago, HP leapt onto the "Smart" wagon and started naming most things "smart" this or "Smart" that.

The naming convention is fairly consistent but it can be confusing.

Marketing loves catch-phrases.

This change to "Smart" included changing the old name "HP Connected" to "HP Smart"

True -

Amongst other things, there are at least two HP Smart bits:

• HP Smart the application
• HP Smart the everything else, including the old HP Connected printer control website for ePrint and / or Print Anywhere

Unless you landed on the HP Smart site (sample below),

OR

You landed on the HP Smart - Mobile App site for your device

OR

You landed on the official Printer site,

THEN

You landed on "something else" -- not HP.

Samples...

The "Real Deal"

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

https://123.hp.com/

Be very careful when out on the Internet looking for help - one little dot, space, or letter out of place can land you in trouble.

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 sell you software, threatens you, or wants access to your computer, you are using a “fake” site. Do not give these people your information! 

AND / OR

 “HP Smart / HP Connected” - Printers added to ePrint / Print Anywhere

Management / Options

HP Smart / HP Connected

Note:  Website might take 1-10 seconds to open

Click Flag to switch to your region

Not HP?

The extent to which you have been scammed depends on how much cooperation you provided to the perpetrators.

For example, purchasing something you don't need is bad enough --

Remove whatever you purchased from your computer.

Letting rats into your computer means something worse might have happened, including identity theft, files and pictures and passwords compromised, other mayhem.  Change your passwords.  If you have fears that the thieves have access to your messages, email, or files with family / friend information, warn those people.

Call your bank.

Report the incident.

Thieves are very, very good at what they do --

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

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

Real people who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You for the help !

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

[Barry330]

Thank you for all that information. I was scammed but haven't seen anything tangible yet. I changed my password, at least some of them. Tough world out there. 

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@Barry330 

You are welcome.

This might be one of those cases where "not very well done" is the thing that will save you more grief.

Unfortunately, the most clever of the spoof sites are difficult to detect -- HP and other legitimate companies spend a lot of time and effort tracking down and extinguishing the culprits.  Like other vermin, they resurface.

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

If you need rain, I hope you get it.

If you need it dry, I hope you get that.

Stay Safe.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

Real people who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You for the help !

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