Refund Scam

How this scam works

Refund scams are widespread, and countless victims fall for them every day. Luckily these types of scams are easy to identify and avoid once you understand how it works. The primary objective of these scammers is to trick their victims into sending them money.

They target people using phone calls, texts, and emails stating they are eligible for a service refund. They'll often claim to be from a reputable company. They achieve this by creating the illusion that they've sent you too much money and ask difference back in a different payment form.

Commonly, they'll request you to send them money using gift cards, put cash in a box, send it to an address, and wire transfer to an international or domestic bank account.

First, they'll ask you to turn your computer on to initiate the transfer to create this illusion. The scammer will guide you to install software that allows them to control your computer and see your screen. Here are some common software names used to access your computer remotely: TeamViewer, AnyDesk, and SupRemo.

Once they've gained access to your computer, they'll modify your screen to create fake transactions only visible to you. The scammer will usually either blame this on you or a computer error. They may even mention if you do not send the difference back, they'll lose their job. If ever you are asked to turn on your computer or download software to receive money. You should consider this is likely a scam attempt and proceed with caution. If you are not sure, always ask someone else for advice before proceeding.

Scammers usually reside offshore and take precautions to avoid law enforcement and steal money. To do this, they ask for payment in the form of gift cards, sending cash directly to an address, or wire transfer. Private companies nor government agencies do not ask for payments using any of the above methods. If ever asked to pay anyone using any of the above methods, it is likely a scam attempt.

If you fall victim to this type of scam, you should immediately call the gift card company to cancel the cards, a bank to stop the wire transfer, or the shipping provider such as FedEx, USPS, or UPS to cancel a shipment if you sent cash. It would be best to take your computer in for repair to remove any remote control software or malicious applications the scammer installed on your computer.