Monday, June 23, 2025
In today’s digital age, Tech Support Scams have become increasingly prevalent, targeting unsuspecting individuals and causing significant financial losses. As a trusted financial institution, River City Bank is committed to helping our customers stay informed and protected against such fraudulent activities.
Tech Support Scams
Criminals could target you, saying there’s something wrong with your device (computer, tablet, mobile phone, etc.), or claim that your bank accounts have been hacked — or are at risk of being hacked — and indicate they can fix it.
It’s all a scam so they can gain access to your devices, personal information – and ultimately – your money.
- $1.3 billion lost by consumers in 2023 to tech support and government impersonation scams.*
- Over 17,000 cases of tech support scams reported to the FBI by older adults in 2023.*
- People 60+ lost more money to these scams than all other age groups combined.*
*FBI’s 2023 IC3 Elder Fraud Report
Here’s How It Works
The scam usually begins with an unsolicited call, email, text, or pop-up message. Scammers impersonate tech support companies, and often bring in other impostors to pose as bank representatives or government officials.
Bad actors may also attempt to persuade you to withdraw cash, invest your money in a bogus crypto platform, or buy gold or other precious metals to send to them. Then they will send couriers to retrieve your assets, under the guise of safeguarding them. If you comply, they will steal your money.
They will tell you that you need to protect your device, and encourage you to sign up for a bogus subscription and install software to protect yourself. If you follow through, however, you will be installing malicious software (malware) used by criminals.
Protect Yourself
- Remember, the safest place to keep your money secure is in a federally-insured bank.
- NEVER disclose your address or agree to meet with strangers to deliver cash or precious metals.
- DO NOT click on unsolicited pop-ups, text message links, or email links and attachments.
- DO NOT call unknown telephone numbers from pop-ups, texts or emails.
- DO NOT download any software at the request of unknown people who contact you.
- DO NOT allow unknown people access to any of your devices.
Spot the Scam? Report It!
- Tell your bank.
- Contact law enforcement.
- File a report with the FBI at IC3.gov.
When Reporting, Include:
- How and where you encountered the criminals.
- Your communications with the criminals.
- The criminals’ names, email addresses and phone numbers.
- Cryptocurrency exchanges you were instructed to use.
- The timeline of the scam.
- Domain names, websites or apps that the criminals instructed you to use.
River City Bank will NEVER contact you by text, phone call, or email and ask for your User ID, password, verification code, or other personal information. If you receive a suspicious message, DO NOT respond or click on a link — contact us directly. Remember to always remain vigilant, avoid clicking on any suspicious links in emails and text messages, and report any suspicious activity as soon as possible.
The information in this article was provided by the American Bankers Association.