ScamBusters: Tech support scam impersonates Comcast employees

We can all relate when it comes to those “tech support scams” offering fake help to fix a so-called virus on a computer. Most of the time it’s easy enough to just hang up unless the help is coming from a reputable company like Comcast.

Meet Anthony Matlock

Anthony is a cyber security engineer. Several months ago, his aunt called Comcast for help with connecting to Wifi, but she said she was passed on to another agent.

“The individual that called her back was a scammer and he actually received her information from a Comcast rep,” Matlock said.

The situation escalated when minutes after picking up the line she said she was locked out of her computer.

“This means they can gain access to her personal and financial information,” Matlock said. “It’s very scary.”

According to Matlock, Comcast was contacted dozens of times about the incident but said six months later nothing has been done.

Response

KRDO NewsChannel 13 reached out to Comcast several times for a comment on this story, but have yet to hear back.

Three months ago, Comcast was under fire for similar complaints. Tech Crunch, a tech-industry website, reported the company revealed the passwords of its customers “Xfinity provided wireless routers.” But, the company responded the service has since been taken down.

“Our information is always out there, that’s why it’s important to get regular credit checks and pay attention to your finances,” said Det. Jon Price, with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.

So what can you do?

They key is firewall protection. For Mac or PC users, the steps are similar. Go to your system preferences page, click security and privacy, and make sure your firewall is unlocked or enabled.

For any further questions email or to report a scam, email Stephanie.Sierra@KRDO.com.