Scam Type
Tech Support Scam
Business Name Used
Novatech /Geek Square IP Security
Date Reported
Sep 23, 2022
Victim Postal Code
93908
Total Dollars Lost
0
Scam Description
My wife clicked a website for cooking recipes. Immediately the computer locked up, and a screen claiming that her computer had been infected and that she needed to click on the website shown to stop the virus from stealing her information. It looked like a microsoft website. Once she clicked on it, she was directed to call a phone number. The number was not a microsft company, but a web security company. They pressured her to sign up for their service stating that “bad guys are currently trying to steal your data.” They kept up the pressure by stating that the longer she waits, the more data they are stealing. She was pressured to sign up for their services which totaled approximately $3000. They also had her click on a link that gave them access to her computer and router to our entire system. They had access to her computer for over an hour. I found out and contacted my IT department and they warned me of this type of scam. She immediately turned off her computer. When this happened, she began getting phone calls and emails stating she needed to restart her computer so they could finish. She told them she changed her mind, and she didn’t want their service any longer, and took the laptop to Geek Squad. They found five virus installed to get identity theft. She refused more phone calls. They then sent an email stating they will sue us for the money, and we needed to call their collection department asap or they would file suit. Next day, they called again, and she told them she had contacted our attorney, and would contact the BBB. They hung up immediately. At this point we have not heard back from them.
