Victim Location 20148
Total money lost $8,609.99
Type of a scam Tech Support
On April 3, 2018 I received an internet security alert (code 055BCCAC9FEC) on my personal computer. The popup provided a number to Windows Technical Support @ 866-338-7580. Upon calling this number, I was told I needed a anti hacking expert. I was directed to Tech Intel to fix the computer and get security support costing $609.99. At this time, Tech Intel remoted into my computer to fix the problem. My bank accounting information was provided to process the payment. Tech Intel information: 116 Village Blvd, Suite 200 Princeton NJ 08540, phone 855-888-9893. On July 14 I received multiple phone calls on my personal and work cell phone from 844-489-4999. Those calls were ignored. On July 16, I received a call from 844-489-4999 on my work cell in which I picked up and was told it was James from Tech Intel and that the security monitoring alerted them to an issue with my computer’s IP address. I was instructed that additional security support was needed from CISCO Networking and that this would be refunded. I was told to purchase 2 Walmart gift cards @ $1000 each that would be used to purchase the CISCO Networking support. My debit card was used to purchase the gift cards. The gift card information was given to James @ Tech Intel. On July 17, I received email notifications from Walmart & CISCO Networking that there was a problem with the cards due to a coding defect and Walmart would be refunding the money. James asked that I purchase 2 more Walmart gift cards @ $1000 ea, which I proceeded to do and the gift card information was provided. Around 2:30pm on July 17 I received another call from James telling me there were more security problems that needed to be fixed and would cost an additional $4000. At each request, I was told I would be refunded the money because of the insurance I had with Tech Intel. To purchase the additional $4000 in gift cards I went to Target and purchased 4 gift cards in the amount of $1000 each. My VISA and Target Red Card were used to make the purchases. From July 16-17, Tech Intel remoted into my computer to "fix the problem and provide additional security". By end of day on July 17 I realized I was scammed and that Tech Intel was not a legitimate tech support company. I never received any security support (or any legitimate service/product) and was scammed out of a total of $8,609.99. Official reports regarding the scam have been filed with Local Law Enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and Internet Crime Compliant Center (IC3).