HP Printer Support Scam

[ALK95]

February 28/2026  Printer not working went to HP to download driver, message fatal error, used chat box, chat wanted to help me setup printer, said i needed help with fatal error message, asked for my phone number said a technician would call me back.  Tech returned call, "James from HP" said I had a network "trojan CSRSS".  Yes i allowed remote access to my computer.  Via Candler Care LLC, LogMeIN Rescue. (Bang Head) .  Said HP Support could fix problem for $199.  and would have another tech (Simon - from HP) install driver update.

Provided me with HP Customer ID and HP Case number.

After all this my printer worked!! 

Then sold me on buying Cisco software license for network firewall security (All In One) and IP Masking.  Told I could pay via credit card or Paypal (I paid).  

SCAMMED!!!

[Dragon-Fur]

@ALK95 

Welcome to the HP Community --

Yes, it was a scam.

I am sorry this  happened.

There are thousands of scam sites -- none of which are even remotely related to actual HP anything.

It's easy to stumble over one of these sites and fall victim to professional scammers.

Perhaps ask your bank to reverse the charges in spite having authorized the transaction.

Scam sites lie, cheat, beg, and steal your private information.

Scammers will tell you your computer is full of bugs -- they can help if you give them a credit card number.

HP and other legitimate companies spend time, money, and resources to track down and shut down the scammers.

As long as you do not give out your bank information or let the scoundrels into your computer for a walk-about in your file system, the damage might be limited to having been made wiser the hard way.

If you did not come away unscathed,

• Contact your bank - Ask if they will help in spite of your authorizing the charges.
• Try to remove everything and anything the rats installed on your computer
• Scrub your computer with your own security software
• Report the incident to the authorities
• Talk to a friend, colleague, or family member if you need emotional or practical advice to move forward.

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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HP Service - Printer Setup

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

https://123.hp.com/

Beware of Fake Sites

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! 

Finally...

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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

• 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
• Combined Printer, Support, and Ink Subscription Service -  HP All-In Plan - Printer / Ink / Support
• Help with Instant Ink / Contact Information - HP Instant Ink Support - Website 
• 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.

Do not be a victim.

Remain vigilant.

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Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

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