They are very persuasive, they are very aggressive, and I have seen more people than I care to mention, including some very smart and savvy clients of mine, fall for telephone tech support scams. 

Their basic method of operation is to identify themselves as employees of Microsoft or some other trusted tech company, and convince you that there is a problem with your computer.  For example, the picture above shows a Windows log filled with errors and warnings. That log pictured is from my own computer, and is perfectly normal - Windows records every time there is the slightest blip with your computer. The scammers will direct you to that log and tell you that the errors and warnings are viruses and attacks on your system.Then they will talk you through the process to give them remote access to your computer to "fix" the problem.

Once they have gained access to your computer they have control. They will either demand payment for their "repair services" or possibly infect you with a virus. I have even seem them attempt to destroy everything on a client's PC when he wouldn't pay up!

Some of these scammers are relatively benign - they run a few free tools on your system which may or may not do any good, collect their money, and move on. I even had a client who signed up for a monthly "maintenance plan" with one of the scammers. Unfortunately, some of them are much more sinister - once they have access to your system they can search through your files looking for passwords, account numbers, your Social Security number - whatever they might find of value. The bottom line is that these scams are proliferating and you have no way of knowing what their real motive is, so your best defense is to recognize the scam and hang up on them as soon as possible! 

Well, you would think so, but they are now targeting Apple owners as well! I have heard of two different tactics. One is that they tell you the Microsoft Office software on your computer is the issue. The other is that they simply hang up and call back a day or two later claiming to be from Apple Support! The scammers have developed Mac specific tricks to prove to you that your system is "infected", and they are counting on your naivete. 

The bottom line is, even if you have an Apple system you shouldn't let down your guard. The (perfectly legitimate and legal) tools the scammers use to remotely access computers work as well on Macs as on PCs, and your money or identity are just as tempting. 

Unfortunately if you have given scammers access to your computer you have no recourse but to bring the system to a real technician and have it properly cleaned. There is a school of thought that says you MUST format and re-install your system. That will definitely clean anything malicious off your computer, but I don't happen to think that it's your only option.  And even if you do format and re-install, you should still follow the rest of my list.

If you realize you have let scammers remotely access your computer, here is the course of action i would recommend:

• If you have done your taxes on your computer or have kept other detailed financial records there is a possibility that the scammers looked for and stole your Social Security number. Carefully keep an eye on your credit reports checking for signs of identity theft. You might want to place a fraud alert on your credit reports.