Dealing with printer problems can be frustrating, and seeking tech support is a natural step. One HP printer user recently shared a worrying experience that serves as a crucial warning for anyone looking for help with their devices, especially when using an Hp Printer Tech Support Phone Number found online. This personal account raises serious questions about the legitimacy of some online tech support services claiming to represent HP.
The user described calling what they believed was the HP support line after encountering issues setting up their printer. The technician who answered remotely accessed their laptop using AnyDesk. This is where the red flags began to appear. The technician claimed to have found a Trojan virus and insisted on removing it for a fee of $149. Despite initial hesitation and questioning, the user reluctantly agreed to the service.
Further suspicion arose during the “repair” process. The technician, who sounded like they were from an Indian call center, used three different American-sounding names in separate calls over the next hour. Each call originated from a different state’s phone number. When questioned about these inconsistencies, the technician offered a convoluted explanation: HP uses verified third-party technical consultants for fixes that require charges, and this is just how their customer service operates. They claimed while HP doesn’t charge for initial tech support calls, they utilize these third-party experts when actual repairs are needed.
Adding another layer of doubt, the PayPal invoice for $149 came from “Barrie Grant Equine Consultant.” A quick online search revealed Barrie Grant to be a respected veterinarian in California, seemingly unrelated to computer repair. When questioned about this bizarre billing, the technician’s explanation was even more dubious: it might just be the account the technician uses and that this account is listed as a verified HP third-party technician.
After the remote session, the user, now highly suspicious, ran scans using CC Cleaner and Webroot. Neither program detected any malware, casting further doubt on the initial claim of a Trojan virus. While the printer and network were working again afterward, the user was left with significant concerns: Was this a legitimate third-party tech service authorized by HP, or was it a scam? And importantly, should this incident be reported? This experience highlights the critical need for caution when seeking online hp printer tech support phone number and engaging with remote tech services. It underscores the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any tech support interaction, especially when remote access to your computer and payment requests are involved. If you encounter similar situations, it is crucial to investigate further and potentially report the incident to protect yourself and others from potential scams.
