Scammed from HP support

[Slkk]

H last night  I tried to set up a printer and put in a request for support via 123.hp.com
I then received a call from an HP assistant who requested remote control of my computer and took me through what he thought the problem was. When I decided not to spend money on fixing it straight away, he logged off but now my computer will not start up.
What shall I do? I’ve been scammed haven’t I? 
However, he must have got my number from the 123 website an so HP need to be aware of this I think.

[Dragon-Fur]

@Slkk 

Welcome to the HP Community Forum.

Sounds like you were trapped, yes.

I am sorry this happened to you.

There are so many bad sites on the Internet.

All the legitimate companies are aware of the situation -- the Internet is a big and scary place.

Not sure how you would have ended up asking for support at the official HP 123 website -- there is no support contact link or chatty bits on the web page that would let that happen.

On the second page (if opened), Support links and HP Copyright is located at the bottom.

What to do?

Not sure -- It might be time to consider that any data on that system was compromised -- change all your passwords for any account or website that might be vulnerable -- bank, doctor, Cloud storage, and anything else stored or mentioned on the computer.

If the system will not boot at all, it cannot (of course) be used as a reference to what might have ensued after the thief took control.  You might need a tech to help unbury the situation -- not an online tech, but an in-person Windows authorized technician who can help you determine the extent of the damage and perhaps get the machine to a point where you can load a new copy of the Operating System.  After the computer OS is reloaded, use your backups to retrieve your personal data.

Example - Current page view - USA

Main 123 Website:  https://123.hp.com/us/en/

If opened >>> Right side: https://support.hp.com/us-en/printer-setup

Example - Current page view - USA (as of writing 2022)

HP_123.hp.com_1

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

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

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