Also Scammed.

[Judipage]

I used the Canon website to install my new printer. I wanted to connect it to my computer via wire rather than Wi-Fi. I used the search option on the website for how to do that, but I couldn't find anything helpful. So I tried the pop-up assistant and fell into the scammer's clutches. Yes, I fell for it and put $199 on my credit card to Drivrhelp Solutions LLC. (888-929-2671) I later investigated and learned it was a scam. I am disputing the charge and cancelled my card. But I worry about what information they might have found on my computer when they took it over to do their "fix". I have put freezes on all the credit checking websites and am going to pursue whatever else I need to do to protect from identity theft. I realize that Canon takes a "buyer beware" stance on this issue. However, it appears this scam is rampant and I am a fairly sophisticated and careful user of technology and still got caught. Surely Canon technicians are capable of better protecting their customers from being high jacked, or at least could provide warning messages that someone is leaving the Canon site. Even just posting a warning on their website pages to be aware of the danger would be helpful. I love the Canon printers but will hesitate to buy another one or recommend them to friends or family.

[DerrickL · Accepted solution]

Run a malware scan, not just an anti-virus, but something that looks for the very dangerous stuff, like keystroke loggers etc. If you do not have one now I can send you the link to what I use, what my clients used when I owned a business computer business and looked after many large pc networks. it is a very good program. I do not sell it but I do highly recommend it. 

To anyone here, never allow any company or anyone you have had no experience with to have remote access to your pc. It usually ends up causing many problems. 

[Judipage]

Thank you, Derrick.  The scammers had installed a screen sharing app, which I uninstalled as soon as I realized what happened.  I also ran my Malwarebytes program, which flagged their app and allowed me to quarantine it.  I appreciate your suggestion and concern. I wouldn't  have given  them permission to screen share except I thought I was working with Canon's tech support.  Lesson learned  -- the hard way.

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

Canon is not involved and is neutral here.  They do not take a "buyer beware" standpoint.  There is no "position".  This is always the result of someone making a mistake.  Mistyping a URL, clicking a link they "thought" was what they were looking for, etc.  Ultimately your error.  🫣

You are ultimately responsible for whom you interact with.  On the phone, in public and on the internet.  There is no difference.  I'm sorry this happened, but this is the result of your actions, and no one else.  None of us want to be a victim or admit it happened to them, but sometimes it does.  They caught you off guard.  It's unfortunate.  You're taking the right steps.  

Since you also granted them access to your PC, you should also perform a forensic analysis of your system and ensure no malicious software was installed or remains.  If you aren't comfortable doing this, you may want to consider consulting an IT professional.  

Again, sorry this happened.  I'm sure you won't allow it to happen again.  Be vigilant, practice safe habits and verify the identity of persons unknown to you before engaging.  

Wishing you well,

[DerrickL]

Judipage, you are welcome, you resolved it the best way. 

[SignifDigits]

I'm very sorry to hear about your situation.  I want to thank you for being vulnerable and posting here so that others might learn from your errors.  If you would, perhaps you can mark DerrikL's response as a "solution"  This will improve the odds that a search engine will pick this up and perhaps encourage someone to do a search and stop before they proceed with the scammers.