Scam Type
Tech Support Scam
Date Reported
2023-02-27 00:00:00
Victim Postal Code
02108
Total Dollars Lost
0
Scam Description
I found a phone number on the web for Brother tech support that turned out to be a scammer. I had just purchased a new Brother printer and could not get it to scam. The person I was connected with asked me to install Team Viewer, which I did. He then remotely logged onto my system to diagnose the issue. I allowed him access as I thought I was talking to Brother tech support. He ran a few commands (netstat, msconfig) and told me that I had an “Open Network” and some “broken drivers” that were preventing the printer from scanning. He said that since this is a computer issue and NOT a printer issue, he would charge me $150 to repair and it would take 2-3 hours. He also pointed out that my PC was “running slow”. I told him no way on paying $150 and allowing Brother to repair my computer. He said he understood and disconnected and we hung up.
A few hours later, I found a Brother application to print / scan from my PC, downloading it, and it worked fine. I called the number again and got the same guy and asked if this was “Brother tech support”. He said yes. I told him we talked earlier and he told me a bunch of lies about my computer. He denied having spoke with me (but I know it was the same guy / accent), and he hung up.
I am hopeful that he didn’t install or change anything on my PC, but I can’t be sure. I’d like others to know this number is a scam, and to avoid it.
Thank you
