ShowMyPC Technical Support Telephone Scam Calls

If you receive any phone call from persons claiming that they are technical support representatives calling from Microsoft or other companies, claiming that you have a virus on your computer, or it needs some form of fixing, please terminate the call. Scammers are currently tricking persons into downloading, installing the ShowMyPC software, and giving them (the scammers) remote access to their computers via the ShowMyPC software. Microsoft and other legitimate companies will never call and ask their customers to install any of form of software.

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ShowMyPC Technical Support Telephone Scam Calls

The ShowMyPC software is legitimate. This software allows you to take control of your home or office computer remotely via the internet. If you are at home, with this software installed, you can connect remotely to your office computer and use that computer as if you were sitting in front of it. The same can be done if you are at the office and wants to connect to your home computer.

Granting someone remote access to your computer that you do not know is very dangerous. It is like giving a stranger the keys to your home and leaving them alone to do whatever they feel like doing. These persons may steal your credit card information, important documents, and other information that can lead to identity theft.

If anyone calls you and asks you to install any software, and to grant them remote access your computer, please do not. Only give persons that you know and can trust remote access to your computer.

ShowMyPC.com says that they do not call users to fix computers and encourages you to only share ShowMyPC remote access password with trusted remote users.

This is what ShowMyPC has to say about the abuse of its software:

Responsible Use of ShowMyPC: Important Message

We take the privacy and security of our customers very seriously. Unfortunately, there have been some reports of malicious use of our software recently.

Please be extremely cautious when handling unsolicited phone calls and do not grant access to your computer to anyone you do not trust or know personally. ShowMyPC NEVER calls anyone offering to fix their machines or help them make their computer faster and virus free.

Some examples of scam phone calls include callers claiming to be tech support specialists, or claiming to be from known companies such as Microsoft. They will inform you of potential issues on your computer and offer to fix it by asking you to grant them access to your computer.

We assure you that ShowMyPC will NEVER call users offering to fix their computers.in case you receive any such unsolicited phone call, hang up, and do NOT let anyone get remote control access to your computer, and of course, never provide any of your credit card information to such callers.

ShowMyPC software when run on your computer does not impose any harm to your PC. The malicious activities may only occur when sharing your computer with someone untrusted.

If you need to remove malicious programs from your computer, please use a local computer repair shop or call a family member / friend who is a computer geek.

Check the comment section below for additional information, share what you know, or ask a question about this article by leaving a comment below. And, to quickly find answers to your questions, use our search Search engine.

Note: Some of the information in samples on this website may have been impersonated or spoofed.

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Comments, Questions, Answers, or Reviews

Comments (Total: 47)

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April 30, 2018 at 4:19 PM by
ShowMyPC Technical Support Telephone Scam Calls
an anonymous user from: Hope, British Columbia, Canada

Knowing this is a scam, I play with the scammers. The last one...just now...actually told me I was going to h**l and called me a b****y idiot then asked me to hang up... Too funny!

Delete

November 23, 2016 at 1:49 PM by
ShowMyPC Technical Support Telephone Scam Calls
an anonymous user from: St Louis, Missouri, United States

Unfortunately I had this happen to me. I had red flags going off but I had AT&T working on issues with my computer & thought that it 'might' be legitimate.

They had me to into the Event Viewer & showed me Microsoft error messages.

Then she (heavy indian accent) asked me to type in www.showmypc.com. I did so & it brought up a website that said that my computer was locked & to call a #. I immediately got out of it, shut the computer down & ran anti virus program. I hope they were not able to access anything by my clicking on that webpage.

I am still able to get into my computer but hope that I have not done any harm. Do you think that they were able to get anything by me clicking on www.showmypc.com? They tried calling me back numerous times & I am not answering their call.

Delete

November 23, 2016 at 2:14 PM by
ShowMyPC Technical Support Telephone Scam Calls
info

Your computer is ok. ShowMyPC (www.showmypc.com) is a legitimate website that allows people to remotely access their home or office computers. Therefore, visiting the website and downloading their software will not harm your computer.

But, if you allow scammers access to your computer via ShowMyPC, then you run the risk of the scammers accessing your important documents, photos and other important information stored on your computer. This is why it is recommended never to give strangers access to your computer via ShowMyPC, Remote Desktop, or other software.

Giving someone access via ShowMyPC, includes launching the software and giving that person the password generated by the software.

Delete

October 14, 2016 at 2:10 PM by
ShowMyPC Technical Support Telephone Scam Calls
an anonymous user from: Phoenix, Arizona, United States

A man called me from SHOWMYPC.com and said to help me with hackers trying to get into my computer and I wouldn't let him after he gave me a price of what it costs so now all my icons on my home page are gone and don't know how to get them back. If you are from SHOWMYPC.com, please put my icons back on here. I will appreciate it.

Delete

October 14, 2016 at 2:28 PM by
ShowMyPC Technical Support Telephone Scam Calls
info

You were tricked by a cybercriminals who may have stolen your personal and financial information that was stored on your computer. You need to take your computer to trusted technician/family member/friend and have him/her remove any virus or other malware that was placed your computer.

Remember, SHOWMYPC.com doesn't call people and offer remote assistance.

Delete

September 29, 2016 at 4:14 PM by
ShowMyPC Technical Support Telephone Scam Calls
an anonymous user from: Prattsburg, New York, United States

Is Microsoft affiliated with showmypc.com? They requested Itune cards as payment. Is this legitimate?

Delete

September 29, 2016 at 5:23 PM by
ShowMyPC Technical Support Telephone Scam Calls
info

No, it is a scam. Scammers are posing as Microsoft Technicians and are tricking online users into giving them access to their computers.

Microsoft technical support does not call or contact you, you contact them. So, if someone contacts you claiming he/she is a Microsoft technician, please do not follow the person's instructions. Also, Microsoft and other legitimate companies will never ask you to make payment via iTunes card.

Delete

August 10, 2016 at 5:23 PM by
ShowMyPC Technical Support Telephone Scam Calls
an anonymous user from: Edgware, England, United Kingdom

I'm 13 and like an idiot I kinda fell for this. I downloaded the software and he had control of my PC for a little bit. After we got done talking he said he'll call back tomorrow to ask my parents to make payments. I then realized it's a scam and then deleted the show my PC software and ran an AVG scan and nothing came up. My question is even though I've deleted the software, will he still have control over my pc?

Delete

August 10, 2016 at 6:46 PM by
ShowMyPC Technical Support Telephone Scam Calls
info

Without the software he should not have control over your PC, but if he was able to install a Trojan horse, he may use that to spy on you and use your computer to do fraudulent things.

Since you have run a virus scan, which is the best thing to do, we can assume that you are safe.

Keep monitoring your computer for suspicious activities and periodically do a full virus scan of your computer.

Delete

August 6, 2016 at 7:41 PM by
ShowMyPC Technical Support Telephone Scam Calls
an anonymous user from: Harker Heights, Texas, United States

They're still at it. Just got a call claiming my computer was downloading viruses. I asked him which computer since I have three of them. He said he could tell which one by the windows serial number. I grabbed my work computer since it's the most secure and has all kinds of company-installed big brother c**p on it. I was waiting to see if he was going to read off a serial number and he never did.

He had me go to msconfig first. I though he would hang up after he had me pull up "Run" then started spelling out "m as in mike," "o as in ..." and at that point I said, "you mean msconfig?" He hung on and had me pull up the next program, "eventvwr." Same thing - he got to the first "v as in victor" and I said, "you mean event viewer?" Surprisingly he didn't catch on yet that I knew more about computers than he did.

Under msconfig, he had me look at the services and pointed out that some were stopped, which I said is normal.

Under eventvwr, he drew attention to all the warnings and errors, which I again said was normal.

Then he tried to get me to go to www.showmypc.com, which of course I didn't do. After a moment, he asked if I was there yet, to which I replied "no, and I'm not going to give you control of my computer." He said, "that's OK - I can help you with that," then paused. After a moment, he said "you can hang up now." I said, "does that mean you're done trying to steal from me?" He said, "what have I stolen?" I said, "nothing yet because I wouldn't give you access." Then he said, "You are illiterate on computers" and he hung up.

Delete

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Online Threat Alerts Security Tips

Pay the safest way

Credit cards are the safest way to pay for online purchases because you can dispute the charges if you never get the goods or services or if the offer was misrepresented. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if someone makes unauthorized charges to your account, and most credit card issuers will remove them completely if you report the problem promptly.

Guard your personal information

In any transaction you conduct, make sure to check with your state or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the seller, charity, company, or organization is credible. Be especially wary if the entity is unfamiliar to you. Always call the number found on a website’s contact information to make sure the number legitimately belongs to the entity you are dealing with.

Be careful of the information you share

Never give out your codes, passwords or personal information, unless you are sure of who you're dealing with

Know who you’re dealing with

Crooks pretending to be from companies you do business with may call or send an email, claiming they need to verify your personal information. Don’t provide your credit card or bank account number unless you are actually paying for something and know who you are sending payment to. Your social security number should not be necessary unless you are applying for credit. Be especially suspicious if someone claiming to be from a company with whom you have an account asks for information that the business already has.

Check your accounts

Regularly check your account transactions and report any suspicious or unauthorised transactions.

Don’t believe promises of easy money

If someone claims that you can earn money with little or no work, get a loan or credit card even if you have bad credit, or make money on an investment with little or no risk, it’s probably a scam. Oftentimes, offers that seem too good to be true, actually are too good to be true.

Do not open email from people you don’t know

If you are unsure whether an email you received is legitimate, try contacting the sender directly via other means. Do not click on any links in an email unless you are sure it is safe.

Think before you click

If an email or text message looks suspicious, don’t open any attachments or click on the links.

Verify urgent requests or unsolicited emails, messages or phone calls before you respond

If you receive a message or a phone call asking for immediate action and don't know the sender, it could be a phishing message.

Be careful with links and new website addresses

Malicious website addresses may appear almost identical to legitimate sites. Scammers often use a slight variation in spelling or logo to lure you. Malicious links can also come from friends whose email has unknowingly been compromised, so be careful.

Secure your personal information

Before providing any personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number, account numbers, and passwords, be sure the website is secure.

Stay informed on the latest cyber threats

Keep yourself up to date on current scams by visiting this website daily.

Use Strong Passwords

Strong passwords are critical to online security.

Keep your software up to date and maintain preventative software programs

Keep all of your software applications up to date on your computers and mobile devices. Install software that provides antivirus, firewall, and email filter services.

Update the operating systems on your electronic devices

Make sure your operating systems (OSs) and applications are up to date on all of your electronic devices. Older and unpatched versions of OSs and software are the target of many hacks. Read the CISA security tip on Understanding Patches and Software Updates for more information.

What if You Got Scammed?

Stop Contact With The Scammer

Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.

Secure Your Finances

  • Report potentially compromised bank account, credit or debit card information to your financial institution(s) immediately. They may be able to cancel or reverse fraudulent transactions.
  • Notify the three major credit bureaus. They can add a fraud alert to warn potential credit grantors that you may be a victim of identity theft. You may also want to consider placing a free security freeze on your credit report. Doing so prevents lenders and others from accessing your credit report entirely, which will prevent them from extending credit:

Check Your Computer

If your computer was accessed or otherwise affected by a scam, check to make sure that your anti-virus is up-to-date and running and that your system is free of malware and keylogging software. You may also need to seek the help of a computer repair company. Consider utilizing the Better Business Bureau’s website to find a reputable company.

Change Your Account Passwords

Update your bank, credit card, social media, and email account passwords to try to limit further unauthorized access. Make sure to choose strong passwords when changing account passwords.

Report The Scam

Reporting helps protect others. While agencies can’t always track down perpetrators of crimes against scammers, they can utilize the information gathered to record patterns of abuse which may lead to action being taken against a company or industry.

Report your issue to the following agencies based on the nature of the scam:

  • Local Law Enforcement: Consumers are encouraged to report scams to their local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if you lost money or property or had your identity compromised.
  • Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud, including counterfeit checks, lottery or sweepstakes scams, and more.
  • Identitytheft.gov: If someone is using your personal information, like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number, to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund, report it at www.identitytheft.gov. This federal government site will also help you create your Identity Theft Report and a personal recovery plan based on your situation. Questions can be directed to 877-ID THEFT.

How To Recognize a Phishing Scam

Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they’re often successful.

Scammers often update their tactics to keep up with the latest news or trends, but here are some common tactics used in phishing emails or text messages:

Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it’s from a company you know or trust, like a bank or a credit card or utility company. Or maybe it’s from an online payment website or app. The message could be from a scammer, who might

  • say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — they haven’t
  • claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t
  • say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t
  • include an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake
  • want you to click on a link to make a payment — but the link has malware
  • say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — it’s a scam
  • offer a coupon for free stuff — it’s not real

About Online Threat Alerts (OTA)

Online Threat Alerts or OTA is an anti-cybercrime community that started in 2012. OTA alerts the public to cyber crimes and other web threats.

By alerting the public, we have prevented a lot of online users from getting scammed or becoming victims of cybercrimes.

With the ever-increasing number of people going online, it important to have a community like OTA that continuously alerts or protects those same people from cyber-criminals, scammers and hackers, who are every day finding new ways of carrying out their malicious activities.

Online users can help by reporting suspicious or malicious messages or websites to OTA. And, if they want to determine if a message or website is a threat or scam, they can use OTA's search engine to search for the website or parts of the message for information.

Help maintain Online Threat Alerts (OTA).

ShowMyPC Technical Support Telephone Scam Calls