Tomtom Update - Is It A Scam?

[tenrec]

Hi All, I've just got a new (second hand) car with a TomTom in it. I tried to update it by connecting to my laptop. As soon as I typed in my name, phone & email address, my phone rang. It was a gent who said he was my personal technician from TomTom & he would help me to update the maps & when he had finished my TomTom would be as new. He then proceeded to take over my laptop & found the antivirus had run out. He told me he could fix the computer & the TomTom & computer would be both like new when he had finished. He said there was no charge for the TomTom, but the computer would cost a certain amount for "x" number of years. When I said I thought that was a lot of money, he reduced it! Is this a scam? I said I needed time to think about it and he gave me his name & phone number. Has anyone else had a similar experience? TIA

[bhg481]

I've never had that from TomTom and you should NEVER let anyone take over your computer.

[sunny-dave]

Oh dear - yes it is a scam - and it isn't Tom Tom you've been talking to.

You need to check that the miscreant hasn't planted anything nasty on your computer - I'm not up-to-date with the Windows software needed to run the checks and disinfection (I'm exclusively Apple these days), but hopefully a techie will be along in a moment.

[SparklyKid]

How did he take over your computer, I presume you allowed remote access which would require an identity number like teamviewer.

[bookbinder]

This might help:
https://help.tomtom.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360013900100-Unauthorised-TomTom-support-website-scams

[tenrec]

Thanks for your speedy answers. Thanks BHG, Sunny D &
SparklyKid, I typed my details into my screen & immediately he rang me! I feel like a muppet now!
Bookbinder, I'll away and have a look at that link. Thank you all so much. x

[Jackdaw33]

Anyone can be caught off-guard. As PP would say, "Nemo mortalium omnibus horis sapit" (No man is at all times wise).

[SparklyKid]

Still don't understand how he got access to your computer.

[Jackdaw33]

He would have given him a code to type in the address bar, thereby allowing him access to his computer.

[SparklyKid]

Avatar Image Jackdaw33He would have given him a code to type in the address bar, thereby allowing him access to his computer.17:40 Thu 10th Sep 202

Yes, that's the only way.

[Buenchico]

If you want to check that your satnav really is up to date, this is the only site you should be using:
https://www.tomtom.com/en_gb/updates/

[Buenchico]

PS: If you've given someone remote access to your laptop, check which passwords (e.g. for Amazon, etc) you've got stored on it. Then change them all ASAP!

Also run a full anti-virus scan and a separate anti-malware scan.

[Tuvok]

He will have had you install somthing like TeamViewer, AnyDesk or other remote access software.

These are all legit software, but they can be set by the scammers to allow unattended access.

Uninstall anything that he got you to install to allow him access to your computer.

If you are not sure, come back to us and tell us what he made you do.

If you want to see what these scammers do got to YouTube and watch Kitboga, Scammer Payback and Jim Browning - these 3 are constantly taking down scammers.

[Tuvok]

Also google his phone number.

[HansUrbancka]

G'morning tenrec.......It looks as if you have been scammed and it is to be hoped that you have had time to do all that Buenchico advised at 19.23 yesterday evening. Also, as suggested by Tuvok, check out the number;..... don't ring it for fear it is a premium rate number.

It is important to act quickly.

You know where to come if you need further assistance.

Hans.

[tenrec]

Thank you all very much for your advise & knowledge. I think I got off lightly this time. I have learned a valuable lesson.