Dell Phone Scams
Dell is an American company that deals in manufacturing, selling, and repairing computers and accessories. Renowned for being innovative, Dell equally ranks highly in customer satisfaction. As of 2020, the company has a 77 rating on the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), putting it among the top producers of personal computers in the United States.
Like many companies in this industry, Dell customers have become targets of phone scams, from technical support scams to phishing. The company has taken several measures to protect its customers from scams — Dell set up emergency hotlines for reporting scams and getting help.
However, customers equally have a major role to play in foiling clever schemes to steal their money, banking details, and sensitive data. For the most part, identifying unknown callers with a reverse phone search, not disclosing private information, and reporting suspected scam calls will do.
What Are Dell Phone Scams?
Scammers set up elaborate schemes to steal money and sensitive information from Dell customers, usually via the telephone. Most reportedly, this involves impersonating Dell employees in the renowned technical support scam. After all, many people, especially new buyers and old people, have some difficulty operating their personal computers.
Scams from tech manufacturing companies are not new, either. Apple phone scams and Microsoft scam calls are becoming more and more prevalent.
Dell Technical Support Scam
Consider this scenario: a scammer calls and claims they represent Dell. This impostor says they received a system diagnostic report that the customer's computer malfunctioned, has slowed down, or has been infected with a virus. Other times, they ask if the customer is experiencing any unusual problems with their device.
These claims are false, but they claim to have a solution for computer-related issues. To let them do some bogus repair, they ask the customer to enable remote access to their computer. And while making a show of helping, they install malware on the computer to steal information and record the individual's activities. Other times they simply take control and hold the device ransom until the customer pays them for an unlock key.
Dell Phishing Scam
The most advanced tactic used by scammers is to design a fake website that looks exactly like the official Dell website. Generally, they take advantage of the company's reputation and funnel unsuspecting customers to provide sensitive information like their full names, contact information, and even bank details. Using the name and contact details provided, a scammer can target the customer with calls informing them of a fake prize from a bogus contest. But there is a catch: the customer will have to pay for processing and delivery. Other times, scammers are more subtle and hoodwink unsuspecting customers into giving out their credit card details.
Dell Fake Email Scam
Another scam would be the fake email which would appear to be from Dell, requesting you to complete a form. Victims soon find out that they have been scammed and that their details have been stolen. With the online account details of a victim, the scammer can purchase different gift cards or accessories.
Dell Product Trial Scam
This happens when the fraudsters already have some details from a target. That usually results from filling out an email form sent by a scammer, especially from public forums online. Here, the scammer impersonates a legit marketer, claiming your computer is not compatible with a new product or software update. They will then offer to send a compatible product or software for a trial that soon expires and bill you using the card details you provided at sign up.
What Do Scammers Want from Dell Customers?
Scammers target innocent individuals for the sole purpose of stealing their money. They typically do this by making you pay for a bogus product or software. Other times, they seek to take control of your device so that they can steal your banking details, username, passwords, and any other personal information. This information is worth a lot more to them as they can steal your identity and access your online accounts.
How to Report a Phone Scam to Dell
When customers report scams, it helps the company prepare and upgrade its security protocols to prevent users from falling victim. Dell is continuously working on new security solutions to ensure customers do not deal with scammers. Dell users can report a phone scam to the company in any of these six ways:
Fill Out a Complaint Form on Dell’s Website
This is the most efficient way to report a phone scam to Dell and help them fight against fraudsters. Concerned customers must complete the report suspicious activity form with details of the scam and their contact information so Dell can reach them later.
Call Dell Customer Care on the Phone
You can call the Dell customer care line on (800) 999-3355. On average, the wait time to connect to a human agent is about 14 minutes, but this toll-free line is always active. The shortcut to quickly get to a human agent is by pressing 0-0-6-0 at intervals.
Live Chat with a Dell Representative
Interested individuals can chat with a Dell representative via their live chat handle. At first, the person will have to enter specific details before getting directed to the agent.
Send an Email to Dell
Also, Dell customers can send reports concerning scams to security@dell.com. Customers will get a response from Dell within 24 hours.
Send a Direct Message to Dell on Twitter
Interested persons can send a direct message to Dell @DellCares. This medium is on 24/7 and is very fast, especially when it comes to scam issues.
Get Help on the Community Forum
The Dell community is very active, and the moderators are very responsive to cases concerning scams. It is also available 24/7.
The information from customers regarding the scam is also considered in campaigns supported by Dell, such as the Hacktoberfest. These campaigns where individuals contribute to open-source code by fixing bugs on projects help tighten online security generally.
How to Report Dell Phone Scams to Law Enforcement
If you have any suspicions concerning scams, it is advisable to call the appropriate law enforcement in your town or city for help. Concerned parties can also report Dell phone scams to federal agencies.
Individuals who have been scammed can report the case to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through the report fraud page. Likewise, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have reporting platforms.
Meanwhile, Dell customers who have been targets of unsolicited telemarketing calls may put their numbers on the Do Not Call Registry.
How to Protect Yourself against Dell Phone Scams
To avoid becoming a victim of Dell phone scams, you need to be cautious and watch out for suspicious calls and signs of a fraudster. As a rule of thumb, if you have any reason to think a caller is a scammer, hang up and report the number to Dell and local law enforcement. Here are some other tips:
Terminate Suspicious Calls
Even if it turns out that the caller is not a scammer, a company calling a customer illegally is not a company to get involved with. If you are convinced the caller is a fraudster, report the call to Dell and the authorities.
Don’t Give Out Sensitive Details
Never give control of your computer to an unknown party, especially when they call you first. Dell does not go around calling customers and offering to fix problems. Suppose there is a general problem with their product. In that case, the company will issue a general recall publicly, and you will hear about it.
Use Official Contact Details Only
The most secure way to find official support numbers and details is to look for the contact information written on the package or receipt for the product or service you purchased. Online search results are not always reliable because fraudsters place online advertisements for phony phone numbers. So if you are looking for Dell technical support or customer service phone number, visit the official website or get it from a trusted source.
Watch Out for Pressure Tactics
If any caller uses high-pressure tactics or hints your problem will worsen if you don't do something immediately, it is most likely a scammer. Hang up. And remember, no legitimate Dell representative will ask for your credit card details or passwords before helping you.
Use Reverse Phone Number Search
A phone number lookup can help you identify an unknown caller, showing you their names, location, addresses, and even public records. If the information you see from your search is different from what the caller gave you, you can bet it's a scammer.
Enable Call Blocking
Call-blocking is the best defense against unwanted calls. New flagship phones from Samsung, Google, and Apple come with this feature pre-installed. Other brands and communications service providers have this feature too. If your phone doesn't have built-in call blocking, consider downloading a well-rated call blocking app on your app store.
What to Do If You Fall for Dell Phone Scam?
Despite the amount of information on the internet concerning scammers, many people still inevitably fall victim. Often, individuals might realize they have been scammed after giving out sensitive details or payments. Regardless of the payment method used or the details, the sooner the victim acts, the better.
Contact Your Bank If You Lost Money
Individuals that paid a scammer with their debit or credit cards might be able to block the transaction before it is complete. This is done by contacting the appropriate card company or the bank that issued it immediately. Inform the company of the matter and request a chargeback. This will reverse the charges.
Secure Your Computer
Suppose the detail disclosed to the scammer involves remote access to your computer. In that case, you should immediately disconnect your device from the internet. Then roll back the changes you made or reset the computer as a last resort. Alternatively, you may run a scan with your antivirus.
Secure Your Other Accounts
Assuming the detail disclosed to the scammer is the username and password to an account. The person should change such a password immediately. If that is the password on other accounts, it is advisable also to change it on the websites and create a new and strong one.
If a Scammer Stole Your SSN
Suppose a scammer made off with your Social Security Number (SSN). Go to IdentityTheft.gov for instructions on safeguarding your identity.
