Beware of printer troubleshooting scams where cybercriminals use malvertising on Google to direct you to fake tech support sites.
If something goes wrong with your printer, you probably search Google to troubleshoot the issue. In this week’s scam, cybercriminals create malicious advertisements, also known as malvertising, on Google and claim to be on a tech support team that can help you with your printer problems. If you click the malicious ad, you are taken to a fake website to install “software” that will assist with troubleshooting. However, the software installation is fake and always displays an error message saying that the installation has failed.
After the failed installation, the website urges you to contact tech support through a phone call or live chat. However, the “tech support” is actually a scammer. If you contact them, they will request remote access to your computer to help you continue troubleshooting your printer. If you allow them to access your computer, they will not fix your printer, but they will be able to steal your personal data!
Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to a malvertising scam:
- Anyone, even cybercriminals, can buy ads on Google. Always think before you click.
- If you experience technical problems with your personal devices, contact the manufacturer’s official website to troubleshoot.
- Never give someone you don’t know remote access to your computer. If the issue is work-related, contact your organization’s IT team for help.
Stop, Look, and Think. Don’t be fooled.
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DISCLAIMER : Any non-technical views expressed are not necessarily those of Keller Schroeder or its employee-owners.
