Source: Trend Micro
Cyber scammers are learning that you can trap more flies with honey than with vinegar. In a widely spreading tech support scam, the scammers shift from the usual scare tactics and instead graciously offer to “help” potential victims. This scam involves convincing victims that their computer has been compromised, before conveniently offering their services to deal with the issue.
Victims of this recent scam find their screens locked, with an ad for a company called “SupportBuddy” on the monitor. The browser is frozen, the keypad is locked, and the victims are pressured into calling the number on the screen. When the victim places a call, SupportBuddy kindly offers to fix the problem for a specific sum. The hackers pose as legitimate tech support from major companies and attempt to get credit card and personal information from the victims.