Tech Support Scams

Scammers impersonate tech support staff and claim to know that something is wrong with your computer. They offer to help you "fix" the problem—for a fee—but instead steal your money, infect your computer with malicious software, or steal your personal information. The scammers do this through pop-ups on the web and through phone calls.

Pop-Ups on the Web

A number of people at Butte College have reported seeing alarming pop-ups (some of which include audio) while using their web browser. The pop-up states the computer is infected in some way and may block use of the browser. The user is urged to call a phone number for tech support assistance. If the number is called, a person offers to "fix" the problem for a fee. For an example of one of these malicious pop-ups, see the Tech Support Scam Example.

Phone Calls

People at Butte College have reported receiving phone calls from con artists claiming to be tech support from Microsoft, Dell, and other major software and computer companies. The callers may claim that they have detected viruses or other problems on the user’s computer and offer to "fix" the problems for a fee. They may try to convince the user to give them permission to run a program giving them remote access to the computer.

If You Got Caught

If you think you got caught by one of these scams, take action to protect your information and college computing resources.

• If you gave out Butte College information, such as your MyBC password, or allowed access to your college-owned computer, change your MyBC password using the PortalGuard Account Management page.
• Report a suspected compromised Butte College account immediately to User Support Services (usersupportservices@whbimu.com, 530-895-2888).
• If you gave out personal information, such as your credit card number, file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center and put a fraud alert or hold on your credit report. For instructions, see Identity Theft.