Crypto and Tech Support Scam Prevention | 3 minute read

Crypto Payment Scams

Be cautious of scammers attempting to steal money through cryptocurrency. Their strategy typically involves the scammer, a QR code, and a trip to the store. The scammer may pose as a government official, law enforcement officer, utility company representative, or someone you've met online.

They will request money and instruct you to withdraw funds from your bank, investment, or retirement accounts. Subsequently, they will direct you to a store with a cryptocurrency ATM, where you will use the withdrawn money to purchase cryptocurrency and then send them a QR code. This QR code contains their address, and once scanned, the money is transferred to the scammer, leaving you at a loss.

Remember these tips:

• No one from the government, law enforcement, or a utility company will tell you to pay them with cryptocurrency.
• ​Any unexpected call, text, email, call, or social media message, especially from
  someone you don’t know, asking you to pay them in advance for something, is a
  scam.

Tech Support Scams

Scammers pretend to be technical support for well-known tech giants or a representative from an internet service provider. They do this to gain access to your personal computer to install malware or tell you to install bogus software to get your payment information. Generally, they try to gain access through pop-ups on your computer.

Remember these tips:

1. Don't click.
   Don't click on any pop-up links or enter personal information. You don't want to give a scammer access to your computer or financial information.
2. Report it.
   If you spot a scam, even if you fall victim to a scam, report it to the FTC. Call 1-877-FTC-HELP or online at ftc.gov/complaint.
3. Tell your friends and family.
   Share this information to help your loved ones protect themselves. It’s the best way for all of us to stay safe online.