Hang up on fake “refund calls”

In 2019, the FTC reached a settlement with Elite IT and its owner, who tricked people into buying expensive computer repair services. The company shut down, and its owner is permanently banned from selling tech support services to consumers. But recently, scammers posing as Elite IT agents have been making calls. They say they’re giving refunds related to the case (not true), and urging people to hand over control of their computers (not safe). If you get a call from Elite IT - or anyone else who wants to connect to your computer - hang up and report it. It’s a scam.

People have reported calls from “Elite IT Solutions” and “Elite IT Group.” The callers offered refunds because of a “settlement,” or a “cancelled subscription,” and pressured people to let them take over their computers. This fits the pattern of a classic tech support refund scam where scammers offer to send you a refund for past services – if you’ll just give them your bank account, credit card or other payment information so they can deliver the refund. If you get that call, don’t cooperate; they’re trying to steal your money.

You can read about the FTC’s refund program at FTC.gov/Refunds. When the FTC gives a refund, it never requires you to pay upfront fees, or asks for sensitive information, like your Social Security number or bank account information. If someone claims to be from the FTC and asks for money, it’s a scam. Please report it at FTC.gov/Complaint, so we can alert others.

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