Tech Support

Overview

We live in a world where the rapid development of advanced technology is constantly changing our daily life, making it easier, richer, safer and more entertaining and comfortable.
The need for expert assistance that would help users with technological or technical challenges has increased substantially.

Tech support companies provide home users and small-business owners across the U.S. with services such as:

• Installing products and getting them up and running.
  
• Setting up and configuring electronic or technological products and instructing customers how to use them properly.
  
• Answering customers’ questions, consulting them, providing troubleshooting assistance and solving their problems.
  
• Repairing products and devices.

Many tech support services are provided remotely, either by a special remote access software installed on the customer’s computer and enables the support rep to control it from his remote location or by other means, such as phone, online live chat or email.

Others send a highly trained professional to the customer’s home, as some tasks can only be handled in person, on-site by a skilled technician, installer, IT professional or another service person.

Different firms have different pricing options that can range between pay-as-you-need models (which are great for solving a single incident) to monthly and annual subscriptions that provide long-term support and peace of mind.

Two common service examples include:

• Computer Support: Diagnosis of tech issues, virus and malware removal, data recovery or backup, system repairs, software installation, PC optimization and keeping the computer running smoothly.
• Home Tech Services: Delivery, installation, mounting and set-up of TV screens, home-theater and other popular household electronic devices, smartphones, smart home systems, appliances, networking projects, gadgets, and other technology products.

Consumer Tips: How to Identify and Avoid Tech Support Scams Online

Just like any other field that involves consumers, businesses, and money that switches hands, the tech support market also has its fair share of scammers, fraudsters and cybercriminals that operate online and look for potential victims.
Scammers use many illegal, unethical or other dishonest ways to take advantage of unsuspecting users.

Some fraudsters find their way to potential victims through cold calls, email or pop-up messages and pose as technical support department representatives of the user’s ISP, a major technology firm or an internet security company.

They “notify” the target victims that a dangerous virus has been identified on their personal computer and try to get them to pay for fake technical support, malware removal service or simply to gain access to their PC to steal their credit card information or other sensitive data.

Actual low-end companies in this industry provide poor service that may come in extremely slow repairs, technicians that never show up for a scheduled in-home support task or problems that keep coming up repeatedly and are never successfully resolved.

Some shady companies frequently use aggressive scare tactics to sell membership packages, harass consumers with endless telemarketing phone calls that try to push their services, charge recurring fees for no reason or use other unethical business practices.

Taking these steps will help you find credible and reliable tech support companies:

Work with U.S. Based Companies

Some technical support services that serve American consumers operate from other countries and employ support reps that do not speak proper English, which can make communication with them difficult and frustrating.

Also, foreign companies in this sector tend to be less reliable compared to their American counterparts and dealing with them may increase the exposure to fraud efforts.

Investigate the Tech Support Company’s BBB Record

Check the company’s record on the Better Business Bureau’s website.
What you’ll find there, will help you evaluate whether it’s a legitimate business that deserves your money and trust or if you must look elsewhere.

Look for current BBB rating, customer reviews, complaints, warnings and alerts on their business profile.
In addition, learn how long it has been in business – a potential indicator of experience and reputation.

If the website is not even listed with the BBB, this is a very bad sign.
On the other hand, if the technical support service provider is certified as a BBB Accredited Business, it’s an important positive signal.

Pay Close Attention to Red Flags

Learn how to protect yourself better when shopping on the internet, to avoid scammers and keep safe in general.
Knowing how to check if a website is legitimate or not is the first line of defense.