Scam warning: Tech support shouldn’t take control!
Press release from Operation Senior Shield
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Technology helps us stay connected with family, manage finances, access healthcare, and enjoy everyday life. Unfortunately, scammers know that unexpected pop-up warnings, computer problems, and unfamiliar technology can create fear and confusion.
Tech support scams are designed to convince people that something is wrong with their computer, smartphone, tablet, or online accounts. Scammers may pretend to be from Microsoft, Apple, internet providers, banks, or other trusted companies. They often use fake virus alerts, pop-up warnings, emails, text messages, or unsolicited phone calls to pressure individuals into taking immediate action.
These scams often create a false sense of urgency to convince victims to install software, share passwords, provide financial information, or pay for unnecessary services before they have time to verify the request.
Some scammers may:
- Claim your computer or phone has been infected with a virus
- Pretend to be from Microsoft, Apple, or another trusted company
- Ask you to install remote access software such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer
- Request passwords, security codes, or financial information
- Demand payment for unnecessary repairs or subscriptions
- Ask for payment through gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps
The goal is often to gain control of your device, steal personal information, or access financial accounts before victims recognize the warning signs.
Red Flags
- Pop-up warnings claiming your device is infected
- Unsolicited calls, texts, or emails offering technical support
- Requests to install remote access software
- Pressure to act immediately to avoid losing access to your device or accounts
- Requests for passwords, security codes, or financial information
- Demands for payment through gift cards or cryptocurrency
Tips to Protect Yourself
- Stop and verify before responding to unexpected tech support messages
- Never allow unknown individuals remote access to your devices
- Close suspicious pop-up windows without clicking on them
- Contact Microsoft, Apple, your internet provider, or your bank directly using trusted contact information
- Keep your devices and software updated
- Ask a trusted family member or friend for help if something does not seem right
How to Report Concerns or Get Help
Reporting suspicious activity may help protect other older adults from financial exploitation and fraud.
- Federal Trade Commission Fraud Reporting: ReportFraud.gov
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: ic3.gov
- Identity Theft Resource Center: 888-400-5530 or idtheftcenter.org
- Contact your financial institution immediately if you shared account information
- If you allowed remote access to your device, disconnect from the internet and seek assistance from a trusted technology professional
Stay Informed
Operation Senior Shield (OSS) provides fraud alerts, scam prevention tips, and consumer protection information to help older adults across Florida recognize warning signs and avoid financial exploitation. Please continue sharing trusted fraud prevention information with friends, family members, caregivers, and loved ones.
Technology should make life easier, not create fear. Staying informed through Operation Senior Shield can help you recognize warning signs, avoid scams, and help protect older adults across Florida. Your willingness to share trusted information and talk openly about scams can help safeguard loved ones and strengthen communities throughout our state. Stop. Disconnect. Verify.
Let’s vote these scammers out! Accountability please!
Leaked grand jury report concluded that the administration of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis misused $10 million in taxpayer money from a Medicaid settlement intended for needy children’s health care to a nonprofit that fed the cash to GOP political entities.
The grand jury identified Uthmeier, then DeSantis’ chief of staff, as a key figure and said Moody, the state attorney general at the time, was aware of the plans and authorized her chief deputy, John Guard, to sign the settlement. Guard has since been appointed by De-Santis as a judge on the Second District Court of Appeal.
The report cited lack of cooperation as one reason the grand jury had insufficient evidence to bring charges.
“Nobody will take responsibility for deciding that $10 million of taxpayer money would go to Hope Florida,” the report says. “This decision was the original misappropriation, and no witness would take responsibility for making the decision or had any memory of who made it.”