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rswc90's avatar
rswc90
Guide
Nov 28, 2021

2nd try - Scam that started with Netgear - how to report?

 

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Full screen picture & then fake  button created:

IP Scam2.jpgIP scam1.jpg

 

Cost to repair (I did notpay anything)

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I tried to post these but it seems as though my post is locked and I cannot edit or reply . Here it is with photos that I hope will show up this time.
 

I contacted Netgear because I was having trouble with my Nighthawk router cutting in and out.  My provider already had replaced my modem, all the cables and even the wire out to the pole. The router was the only thing left. I logged into my account on Netgear website and proceeded to "chat" with support. I told them about the router cutting in and out. They said they were just General support and asked for my phone number so that their tech department could call me. 

I received a call from +1(323)***-**** and the man said he was from Netgear.    I again explained the situation and he said he could show me the issues with my computer and he could fix them, but he needed to log into my computer to do that.  I was VERY hesitent but after closing down all open programs except  my browser, I said ok.  He changed the IP password to get in. he insisted that there was no need to change it back as everyone has the same password (I changed it after we logged out).  I watched him get into terminal and start typing things. I decided to screen shot things. He showed me that there was a problem with   Network congestion"  and ran some stuff in Terminal to "prove it"  - after an hour on the phone and him trying to convince me that  my computers and other devices were a huge risk of hackers, and told me NOT to use these devices for anything personal like banking until this issue was fixed,  AND that they could fix them for $249 for a year of monitoring them, I hung up.  Before I hung up he gave me a case ID number with the phone number above. I was convinced that they were scamming me so I logged into my account in Netgear again and there is no case number. (Photos included here) 

 

I tried to reach out to Netgear to report this because it  originated from THEIR website.  I cannot find any place to report this.   Any thoughts? Someone should know  about this! Thanks

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10 Replies

    • microchip8's avatar
      microchip8
      Master

      The problem is: people Google for "NETGEAR support" and end up on a scam site that claims it's official support. Not so. NETGEAR doesn't offer support but outsources it to GearHead. That's the only official support. Always go to the official NETGEAR site and look for support. Don't Google.

      • rswc90's avatar
        rswc90
        Guide

        I just logged into Netgear after reading your message.  and on the bottom  Rt corner it says "Chat with an expert."  Then there are 3 choices -- one of them is "Technical Support."  - Photo attached.  That's where I was asked for my phone number and was told a tech representitive would call me back.   So someone, somewhere, is scamming something   :-(