A Word to the Wise Regarding Tech Advice

<img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dcr-apis/wp_contents/uploads/DCR-ADMIN/tech%20advice.jpeg" alt="undefined" style="height: auto;width: auto"/> It’s very likely you’ll be having questions and/or technical problems with some of your newly acquired holiday gifts, whether it’s a smart thermostat, a robo-vacuum or the latest iPad. My friend tried to install a Bluetooth-enabled thermostat and got frustrated with the written instructions and YouTube videos. He just couldn’t get it to work, so he tried getting online support from the manufacturer. While he was on their website, a chat box appeared and offered to help solve the problem. He assumed he was communicating with a technical expert from the company, so he called the number they gave him. Before proceeding with the troubleshooting, the agent said the advice would only cost $5 for a single session, so my friend reluctantly gave his credit card number. After several more minutes on hold, the call was disconnected. Minutes later, $48 was charged to his account. As it turns out, this was not a legitimate service. The FBI and the Federal Trade Commission say there are four things that can tip you off to fake support centers:  <ol> <li>Unsolicited contact (they simply pop up on your screen during a search)</li> <li>An enticing price ($5, but then larger unauthorized charges are made)</li> <li>Remote access is requested, which allows malware to be installed</li> <li>Scare tactics are employed to alarm you into making a quick decision</li> </ol> P.S. My friend was able to reach the company’s real help center and they quickly resolved the problem. Now, he’s disputing the charge with his credit card company.  <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/" target="_self">Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies.</a> Related Articles <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/Guide/Savvy-Consumer/" target="_self">Your Guide to Being a Savvy Consumer</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Rated Local Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/" target="_self">Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a>