The Tech Support Scam

Karen’s Experience:

In January 2023, Karen, a 60-year-old retiree from Florida, received a phone call that sent her into a panic. The caller, claiming to be from TechSecure, a well-known tech company, warned her that her computer was infected with a dangerous virus and needed immediate attention. The caller sounded professional and convincing, instructing Karen to download software that gave them remote access to her computer.

Trusting the supposed expert, Karen followed their instructions. Once they had control, the scammers “fixed” non-existent issues and charged Karen $493 for their services. Unbeknownst to her, they also installed malware that allowed them to access her bank accounts. Days later, Karen noticed unauthorized transactions depleting her savings of over $350,000. Realizing she had been scammed, she reported the incident to her bank and sought professional help to remove the malicious software from her computer.

Feeling vulnerable and unsure of her next steps, Karen discovered Bitcoin Scam Watch while searching for additional support. They recommended a recovery service specializing in tech support scams. Over the following weeks, the service guided Karen through the process of securing her accounts and recovering some of the stolen funds. Additionally, Bitcoin Scam Watch provided her with resources to enhance her digital literacy, ensuring she could recognize and avoid such scams in the future.