An Indian national has been sentenced to 33 months in jail for scamming elderly Americans. The man, identified as Ashutosh Mishra, was found guilty of running a fraudulent call center in India that targeted elderly Americans with fake tech support services. The scheme involved convincing victims that their computers were infected with viruses and malware, and then charging them exorbitant fees for fake tech support services. Mishra was arrested in India in 2018 and extradited to the United States to face trial.
The case highlights the growing threat of tech support scams, which have become increasingly common in recent years. Scammers often use fear tactics to convince victims that their computers are infected with viruses or malware, and then charge them hundreds or even thousands of dollars for fake tech support services. These scams can be particularly devastating for elderly Americans, who may be more vulnerable to these types of schemes. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost more than $55 million to tech support scams in 2020 alone.
To avoid falling victim to tech support scams, it’s important to be vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited calls or emails from supposed tech support experts. Never give out personal or financial information over the phone or online, and don’t allow anyone to remotely access your computer unless you initiated the contact. If you suspect that you’ve been targeted by a tech support scam, hang up the phone or close the email and contact your bank or credit card company immediately. By staying informed and alert, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these types of scams and keep your personal and financial information safe.
