Tech support scams use social engineering techniques to steal your information or to hold your electronic devices ransom.

This type of scam usually involves a fraudster calling you and pretending to be from a software provider, such as Microsoft. They will claim to have picked up on some sort of serious problem on your device, for example, a virus or hacking attempt.

They will then ask you to either type in a web address where they will capture your personal information or give them remote access to your device. Once the criminal can control your device remotely, they can then install malware that will steal your information, including passwords and PINs. They can also threaten to delete your hard drive or share sensitive data and demand a ransom payment.

For related scams and information, read our social engineering and phishing, smishing and vishing sections.

How can you protect yourself?

• Update your software and antivirus regularly.
• Never allow remote access of your device to someone who calls you unexpectedly.
• Remember that criminals can manipulate Call Line Identification. This means that even if your mobile phone screen tells you that a reputable company is calling, it might not be.
• Never share personal or sensitive information such as passwords or PINs with anyone telephonically.