Don’t fall victim to technical support phone scams.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has released an alert regarding a new form of tech-support themed telephone scam in which the caller claims to be from the “Global Privacy Enforcement Network” (a real organization but uninvolved) saying that your email account has been hacked and is sending fraudulent messages. The caller says they’ll take legal action unless you allow them to fix your computer problems (problems that don’t exist).

Please be vigilant and remember the following:

  • Don’t give control of your computer to anyone who calls you offering to “fix” it.
  • Never give out or confirm your financial or sensitive information to anyone who contacts you.
  • Being pressured to act immediately is a sure sign of a scam. Hang up.

More information is available from the Federal Trade Commission and U.S.-Cert.