Understanding the FastSupport Scam: Prevention & Removal Strategies

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Article Summary

1. What is it? – FastSupport is a tech support scam where cybercriminals trick you into paying for non-existent problems on your Computer.
2. What to do? – Do not call or download any software suggested. Check the legitimacy of the URL you are being redirected to.
3. How to Protect?
   Download Adware Removal Tool to detect and remove adware completely in one click. Also, you can check out AdGuard if advertisements in general is your concern.

Did you see a message on your computer that there are problems on the system or the device is infected with virus? Is it asking you to call on a tech support number to fix it for you?

You are probably victim to a FastSupport Scam.

What is FastSupport Scam?

FastSupport is a genuine website that lets you access your computer from another location using their GoToAssist program. Even though this is a legitimate website, cybercriminals use it to make money.

GoToAssist lets tech support people look into problems on your computer and fix them remotely.

Unfortunately, scammers often take advantage of it by using it to gain remote access to a user’s computer in order to steal money or infect it with malware.

How does FastSupport Scam Works?

Cybercriminals send users to fake websites with pop-ups and warning messages that look like real alerts from Microsoft Windows or Apple.

All they want is for you to call the number they give you to fix problems with your computer that don’t exist.

When you call them, that’s when the scam starts. After calling, users are asked to give scammers, who pose as certified technicians, remote access to their computer through FastSupport, LogmeIn, TeamViewer, or another similar service.

Upon connecting, scammers might suggest that there are several problems on your device including a virus infection. To prove it, they might show few errors in the Event viewer log.

Once you are convinced, they will ask for a fee to fix it or do it for free. However, they might install trojans, key loggers, and other malicious software on your computer.

This might result in loss of confidential information, identity theft and other monetary losses.

Threat Analysis

Fastsupport is just one tool but there are dozens of fake tech support scams like Windows Security Alert , Virus Alert on Edge browser , Pornographic Virus alert or Computer Blocked alert popup . All of them claim that your device is at risk only to extort money from you.

How to Avoid FastSupport Scam?

If you have a suspicion about a message claiming a problem on computer, you have done half the work. Be vigilant and do not click on the link / banner.

As you have not acted upon it yet, your next step is to get rid of those fake messages and warnings. It is a result of adware / scareware on your computer which must be removed.

Manually removing threats may be a time-consuming and difficult task that needs expert-level computer knowledge. So, we recommend professional antivirus program like TotalAV which can detect and remove all traces of virus infection. It can finish the task for you in just one click.

Download TotalAV

The best way to keep yourself safe is to know what to do. You need to understand how these cons work and how to spot them. I’ve already explained that above.

If the report about a virus, malware, bug, or anything else has a phone number next to it, do not call it. Instead, go to the Microsoft Answer Desk to get real help from Microsoft.

What to do if you have already fell for the Scam?

Your alternatives include contacting the local government scam reporting department. If you’re in the US, you should use the FTC Complaint Assistant Form . Those who live in Canada can find support at Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre . For the UK, you can report fraud here and unsolicited calls here . And Australians can use a website called ScamWatch to report such issues.

If you have already paid the scammers, you still have a few options. You should call your credit card company right away, explain what happened, and try to get the charges taken off your card.

Aside from that, there isn’t much you can do to get your money back. Next, all you can do is check to see if they left any backdoors open on your device.

• Uninstall any Software Program they asked you to install.
• Change all important login passwords.
• Disable Webcam to avoid getting filmed accidentally.

Is FastSupport.com a legit website?

Yes, FastSupport is a legitimate website providing toolset for remote access. Though it is designed for a good purpose, it is misused by cybercriminals to gain access to your computer.

Is GoToAssist customer a virus?

No, GoToAssist itself is not a malicious tool. However, the person at the other end using to access your device can wrongfully use it to steal confidential information.

Can Adware steal your Data?

Yes, adware are designed to track your browsing activities, location and steal private data such as Credit Card, Bank login and Physical address.

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