Scam or Not

[Linda2410]

We were having trouble with our HP printer not scanning, even though it had worked the day before.  We contacted HP and Bryan said he could help.  After about 4 hours, he said it wasn't the printer, but software in the computer.  He said he fixed it and that it cost $169.99.  Was never told there would be a charge or what it might be.  He wanted us to pay immediately and tried all different ways to get us to pay, like PayPal, which we don't use.  Finally sent an invoice and we were able to pay online.  Very concerned that this was a scam.  The invoice had HP's logo and his name, phone number and at the bottom HP Customer Support (**bleep**) **bleep**-265-2712.  Does this look legit?

[Dragon-Fur]

@Linda2410 

Welcome to the HP Community --

I am sorry this happened to you.

Unfortunately, it is all lies --

You were never talking to anyone in HP -- not at HP, not near HP, and not even HP adjacent.

It's common -- there are thousands of scam sites and it's easy to trip over one of them.

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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What can our HP Community do?

            Request for Review

I've forwarded your concerns to our Moderators for review and possible next actions.

Should there be a response, the agent will leave a message here before using other methods to contact you.

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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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HP Services and Contact Information

Online Case Submission to HP Support is available to those whose devices registered and are still in Warranty.

Some (Most) regions display phone / chat contact information only after the case is submitted online.

Not every issue is covered under the standard Hardware Warranty.  Purchased Care Pack Warranties differ by contract.

HP is not a "general" repair facility: Requests for out-of-warranty repairs are usually not accepted.

If the problem is hardware, if your device is in Warranty, if your device is Registered, and you cannot submit your case to Support, let us know and we will forward a request.

Important

Never post private information in the HP Community!

Thieves are waiting - do not hand over 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.

You do not need Firewall protection.

Never allow strangers access to your computer, tablet, or phone.

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 - 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.