BBB: Scammers can trick your smart devices into calling them instead

BBB: Scammers can trick your smart devices into calling them instead

BBB: Scammers can trick your smart devices into calling them instead

The Better Business Bureau is warning that your smart devices like Amazon Alexa, Apple’s Siri, or Google Home can be tricked by scammers.

It involves utilizing the devices to search for a company and then asking the device to call them for you.  Scammers are “gaming” search page listings to fool the devices to call their numbers.

In one recent case, a woman used voice search and dial to call an airline customer service line, seeking to change her seat for an upcoming flight. The scammer tried to get her to purchase $400 in gift cards, claiming the airline was running a special promotion.

In another case, a man used Siri to try to contact technical support for his printer.  He was instead calling a tech support scammer who tried to take control of his computer to essentially hold it ransom.

The organization has tips avoid being scammed:

  • Be careful when searching for support phone numbers. Rather than doing an online search or letting your smart device look up a number, use the contact information on the business’s website (double-check the URL), on your bill, or in your confirmation email.
  • Beware of fake ads. Scammers make ads with fake customer service numbers. Using voice search to find a number can make it harder to tell a phony listing from the real one. Get your information from the official company website or official correspondence.
  • Make payments with your credit card. It’s easier to dispute a credit card payment. Paying by wire transfer or pre-paid debit card is like using cash. There is almost nothing you can do to get the money back.

For more tips, click here.  To sign up for emails from the Better Business Bureau to alert you to scams, click here.

For tips from the FTC on how to better secure your smart devices, click here.

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