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Company Imposter Scams
Scammers often pretend to be from well-known companies to get you to trust them enough to send money or give them access to your computer.
Common company imposter scams start with:
- Calls or texts alerting you to “pending charges” against an account in your name
- Calls or texts offering you a discount on a utility or service
- Computer pop-ups that freeze your screen or claim your computer is infected with virus
If you respond to the calls, texts, or pop-ups, scammers will try to panic you into believing there's a serious problem with your account. Some residents report scammers told them that drug dealers or child pornography rings were using their computers or bank accounts. Often, scammers transfer people to an accomplice who poses as law enforcement.
Scammers will tell you they need you to download apps or type in codes to allow them remote access to your computer or phone. But real banks and other companies have secure computer systems: They never need to access a customer's device to fix a problem. And real law enforcement officers never ask people for access to their accounts or computers.
Protect Yourself
The easiest way to stay safe is not to engage at all:
- Don’t directly respond to calls, texts, or emails about account issues. If you’re worried about your account, log into your account the way you usually do or call the company using a number printed on your statement or a bill. That way, you’ll know you are talking to the company, not a scammer.
- Never click on links in unexpected texts. Links can contain malware that can compromise your device and let scammers access your apps and accounts.
- Never allow strangers to have remote access to your phone or computer.
- Never call the number on a pop-up virus alert. Pop-ups urging you to call a number for help are scams. If a pop-up freezes your screen, completely turn your device off for a few minutes and/or unplug it. The pop-up will go away.
Learn how to protect your devices on our Internet Safety page.