Did you lose money in a tech support scam? Our law firm can help you explore your legal options.
As leading consumer protection attorneys in Seattle, we’ve helped countless clients fight back against unscrupulous and predatory companies. When you’re ready to pursue justice and compensation for your losses, contact By Design Law to schedule an appointment.
As online scams grow increasingly commonplace, it’s clear that consumers aren’t the only ones benefiting from the technological advancements of the digital age. Hackers of all varieties are thriving in this wild-west-like environment where consumers who were born before the internet existed engage in constant connectivity.
Although all internet users are vulnerable to hackers, certain populations — particularly older generations — are especially at risk. As scams become less primitive, however, more and more people across demographics fall prey to malicious scammers on the hunt for financial assets. One of the more insidious scams that have surfaced in recent years is the tech support scam , which has already affected many Seattle residents.
Fortunately, consumers who have been harmed by tech support scams have options for legal recourse. This article will explore tech support scams in Seattle, including common tactics used by scammers, red flags, and how an experienced consumer protection attorney can help.
At By Design Law, we’re proud to offer top-tier legal services to clients in Seattle and beyond. When you need customized legal strategies that are tailored to your unique needs and goals, our law firm can deliver. Schedule a consultation to get started .
Understanding Tech Support Scams
When it comes to tech support scams, the name says it all: A scammer impersonates tech support to gain access to your financial information. Although these scammers typically initiate contact online through pop-up messages or emails, they also rope in victims over the phone.
They often pretend to work for a reputable tech company such as Microsoft or Apple, or an antivirus software provider.
Their pitch is simple: There’s a serious security issue with your computer that needs immediate attention. Scammers often use fear and urgency to convince you to grant them remote access to your computer or to pay them upfront for security services.
Although tech support scams come in numerous forms, they typically rely on a combination of the following tactics:
- Unsolicited contact via email, pop-ups, or phone calls
- Urgency and fear tactics
- A request for remote access
- A demand for upfront payment
- Stolen financial information
Although some people are more vulnerable to tech support scams than others, even savvy computer users can fall victim to them. Recognizing potential red flags can go a long way in keeping your financial information protected, which is why you should think twice whenever you receive unsolicited contact, feel pressured, are asked for remote access or payment, and when payment requests involve unusual payment methods like gift cards or wire transfers.
Steps to Take After a Tech Support Scam
Many consumers who’ve fallen victim to tech support scams report that after the interaction, they felt strange, like something was off. If you’re ever feeling uncomfortable about an unsolicited interaction that you suspect might be a scam, consider taking the following steps in the immediate aftermath:
- Cease communication. End communication with the suspected scammer immediately and disconnect from the internet if they have remote access to your computer.
- Contact financial institutions. Notify your bank, credit card company, and any other pertinent financial institutions to let them know what happened. Ask them to block any unauthorized transactions and, if possible, monitor your account for suspicious activity.
- Change passwords. Use a secure device to change passwords for any online account you can think of that might contain or be linked to financial information.
In some cases, the damage is already done. One of the ways that you can prevent other people from succumbing to the same fate is by reporting the scam to the appropriate authorities. Depending on the details of your situation, you may want to report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Consumer Sentinel Network, the Washington State Attorney General’s Office , or even local law enforcement.
Seeking Compensation After a Tech Support Scam
If you recognize the scam before you’ve handed over financial information or remote access, you may walk away from the situation unscathed. However, that’s not everyone’s fate — some people lose tens of thousands of dollars as a result of these scammers’ unscrupulous actions.
If you’re facing serious losses as a result of a scam, a consumer protection attorney can help you seek compensation. Here are a few of the critical legal services and tasks that your attorney will take on:
- Case evaluation. A consumer protection lawyer will review the details of your case, including the specifics of the scam, your financial losses, pertinent evidence, communications with the scammer, payment receipts, and more.
- Filing complaints and reports. Next, your attorney will help you file complaints with the relevant regulatory agencies and, if necessary, local law enforcement.
- Negotiating with financial institutions. A legal professional can also speak to financial institutions on your behalf, negotiate chargebacks and refunds, help you freeze accounts, and set up fraud alerts with credit bureaus.
- Litigation. If your scammer’s identity is discovered, your attorney can help file a civil lawsuit to recover your losses. In addition to financial damages, your compensation could include non-economic damages for emotional distress and similar losses. If multiple victims were affected, your attorney may be able to help you establish a class action lawsuit.
- Future prevention. Lastly, a consumer protection lawyer can advise you on the best ways to protect yourself from future scams. This may include suggestions for how to secure your devices, spot phishing scams, and manage sensitive information.
Ultimately, a consumer protection attorney can help you explore all possible legal avenues by which to recoup your losses and help you avoid future scams. By helping you file reports with the appropriate agencies, your legal advocate can also help create a safer online environment for all consumers.
By Design Law: Dedicated Consumer Protection Lawyers in Seattle, WA
Tech support scams are no more than digital thievery, and they make the internet a more perilous place for all of us. The best way to protect yourself, recoup your losses, and positively impact your digital environment after a tech support scam is by consulting an experienced attorney. The team at By Design Law is here to help — schedule a free consultation today .