Tech Support Scam

[JalopyG]

On August 18, 2026 while attempting to install a new printer, the process unexpectedly stopped  and a person representing himself a HP Tech Support contacted me and said it was his job to assist in the installation. I asked what his help would cost and he said zero. He said that it would not take long, but he would require remote control of my computer. I was uncomfortable with this process, but I went forward with it and allowed him into my computer. Almost immediately he identified the problem, a dozen or more "foreign files." They would have to be removed and it would take 30 min and cost $125. Another red flag! At this point I had my son speak with him and he concluded that he sounded legit, so I proceeded. As we were ending the process, the Tech discovered that I did not have any firewall protection, this would cost an additional $349. I didn't know what to do at this point. I did suspect a scam, but did not challenge the tech and paid the fee and when the session ended, the computer was installed. I hope no one else falls for this kind of scam, that's why I'm reporting my mistakes.

[Pallipurath]

Hi @JalopyG 

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query.

I’m sorry to hear about your experience and understand why you became concerned when additional charges were introduced during the remote-support session. Based on the information provided, it is important to verify that any person offering HP technical support is an authorized HP representative before allowing remote access or providing payment information. I recommend reviewing your payment records, contacting your financial institution if you believe the charges were unauthorized, to further investigate I would request you to please share me any case ID or any prhone number via private message to further assist you.

Meanwhile Follow the link

To access your private message, just click the little blue envelope icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile, next to your profile name. Alternatively, you can click on this link.  

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Take care and have an amazing day!