123-hp.chat - Scam site? What's going on?!?!?!?

[FROSTY33]

I was looking for assistance with connecting my HP DeskJet 2652 to a new Wifi configuration, so I Googled HP DeskJet 2652 wifi configuration and ended up on 123-hp.chat looking for help.

The techie remoted onto my laptop "to assist".  After some lengthy pauses, I disconnected the session due to fear that something did not feel right.

Guessing these are not HP sanctioned teams.

My question is how exactly does a company the size of HP allow these hacker wannabes to buy the Google ad words to scam their customers?   Seriously HP...   You need to look out for your customers    Not good!!!

[Dragon-Fur]

@FROSTY33 

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Welcome to the HP Community.

Be Aware:

Do not respond to individuals who post phone numbers or email addresses.

Do not respond to individuals who ask you to provide private information in a public Post.

These people might be scammers trying to steal your information / money.

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You were right to disconnect - these are just scammers out to take your money (or worse).

HP is not in charge of the Internet - this is stating the obvious, of course.

Wannabe scammers are all over the place.

HP and other legitimate companies on the Internet know about the copy-cat / bad-sites.

For those reading:

Beware of Fake "123" Sites

The "Real Deal"

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

https://123.hp.com/

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.

• There are several  many “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.

Do not install BIOS updates from a motherboard manufacturer's website. Only install BIOS updates from HP. Installing BIOS updates from the motherboard manufacturer can prevent the computer from accepting an HP system recovery. This could result in a loss of data.

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