Norton Antivirus software is used by the maximum population to protect their systems from virus attacks that could compromise their stored data and pose a threat to computer security. However, do you know that even Norton Antivirus is being targeted by scammers these days? This is because it is a well-known, popular brand that many use to keep their systems safe. Scammers encash this popularity and impersonate the brand to serve their evil purposes. So you are not completely immune to threats after all.
Scams are nothing new. They have existed for as long as mankind can remember.
In this short post, we explain what the Norton Antivirus Scam is, how to stay protected from such scams, and where to report when you fall victim to such scams. Let’s dive in.
What is Norton Fake Antivirus Scam?
The last thing you want to learn is that your system was hijacked! But this is precisely what the Norton Antivirus scammers are out to achieve.
They begin by sending you a fake email (phishing scam) and leaving a phone number to contact for refunds and settlement issues. The content could be very similar to what you can expect from a real executive from Norton, however, with variations. This is where you need to stay sharp. They may make requests for downloading a program to cancel a subscription.
Typically, their goal is to send you a fake invoice showing an exorbitant billing amount, enough to make you jump into a panic. When you do reach out via the phone number they mentioned on the invoice, they will ask you to cancel the order by downloading suspicious-looking software on a bizarre link, claiming they cannot cancel any orders at their end.
Here, what they are trying to do is to screw you over, gain access to your computer and steal your personal information once you log in with your credentials (which you generally use on your Norton account). Again, the idea is to install malware to compromise your system.
Scammers also pose as representatives calling from the Norton Lifelock and make offers that could be an attempt to steal your identity. They may, again, call you to renew your subscription and offer unbelievable discounts to entice you.
How to Stay Safe From the Scam?
Pay close attention to the syntax of the sentences used, grammatical/spelling errors (if any), the authenticity of the email ID of the sender, and any claim that sounds false and weird. If anything looks and feels odd, they probably are. Listen to your gut. Do not press on any links that you receive from unknown sources, and ignore such shenanigans.
Stand back and think hard if things do not add up or make any sense. It is important to put your logical thinking to practice when you are being remote- controlled on the phone.
Always enter your information on the official Norton website rather than on any random site. Before clicking on any such links, check their legitimacy on search engines.
Do not fall for urgent requests or messages. It’s their way to get you all wired up before making the mistake of clicking on suspicious links and unwittingly sharing sensitive information with these scammers.
Norton will never initiate contact unsolicited to fix errors on your computer or request you to enter your personal information. No reputable company will ever function in such an unprofessional way. Keep your software up-to-date.
How to Report Norton Fake Antivirus Scam
1) Report to Norton’s Customer Service— Norton is aware of these phishing scams and it is a good idea to take them into the loop. Norton is always making earnest efforts to improve their products and services, and these scams are a blot on its reputation and brand image.
Visit their official website and send a sample of the email you received from unconfirmed sources who claimed to represent Norton tech support or the billing department. Click on the link to know the various ways of submitting a complaint about the scam online.
2) Approach the Federal Trade Commission — The FTC is a trusted and competent agency to handle scam reports, identity thefts, unsolicited calls, phishing emails, and more. You may call or write to them informing them about the scam so that they may probe the matter from all possible angles, and take necessary legal action against the perpetrators.
You may fill out the online complaint form on FTC’s official website, or call them at 1-877-382-4357 anytime between 9 am and 8 pm.
3) Report to Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) — The IC3 is an authorized agency that deals in internet-related crimes like computer intrusions, identity theft, and any other kind of online fraud. It is a wing of the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation).
The reporting mechanism is user-friendly at IC3, as it alerts the authorities of suspected criminal activities on the internet. It works in tandem with other law enforcement agencies at the local, federal, state, and international levels to book the perpetrators of the crime (once established). They also issue scam alerts to make the public aware of such scams operating in the market.
