Roku fans warned against ‘bogus’ bank-raiding scam that targets new users and takes control of devices
NEW Roku users should exercise caution when setting up their accounts, as they are easy targets for bank-raiding criminals.
Scammers posing as “Roku support agents” may ask you to hand over information like credit card numbers and bank account details – though they’ll insist they are only trying to help.
Some criminals may try to convince you to shell out money for free services like device activation, using “misleading tactics and bogus websites” to grab your attention.
However, knowing the warning signs will make you less likely to fall victim.
Don’t be alarmed if you receive a call or email from a purported “Roku support agent” claiming the activation code for your device has failed, as this is likely a ploy.
Criminals aim to charge your credit card for a process that is offered free of charge to all Roku users.
Similarly, if a “Roku support agent” asks for your card information to create a Roku account or register your player, know you’re being duped.
There is no charge to create a Roku account, which explains its wide appeal to users.
You will be prompted to create a free account upon activating your device, but you can head to roku.com/signup to set one up beforehand.
Setting up a Roku device is free, so you should not receive a call or email saying you will be charged.
Another common scam peddles fake services like monthly or annual subscriptions with the promise of on-demand tech support.
Customers have reported other schemes selling access to channel bundles or “lifetime programming” – a service unavailable to Roku customers.
The most damaging scams aim to take control of your Roku device.
If a scammer activates your device using his own account, he can disable it and demand payment for reactivation.
New users should activate their devices using a personal email address and a strong password.
Experts encourage using at least 16 characters with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, special characters, and numbers.
Similarly, do not grant remote access to your computer to activate your Roku device or resolve a technical issue.
Scammers can install malware on your computer to steal your personal and financial information.
They may even encrypt your files – or “scramble” the information so it can only be decoded using a special key – and demand payment in what is known as a ransomware attack.
To steer clear of scams, only visit official Roku sites ending with roku.com when activating a device or seeking assistance.
How are scammers finding my number?
Here Mackenzie Tatananni, science and technology reporter at The U.S. Sun, breaks down ways a scammer may get your information.
Scammers commonly get phone numbers from data breaches, which occur when a hacker accesses a private database – often those maintained by companies like service providers and employers.
This information may be shared and circulated online, including on the dark web, where there are forums dedicated to sharing leaked information.
Another common technique called wardialing employs an automated system that targets specific area codes.
A recorded message will instruct the listener to enter sensitive information, like a card number and PIN.
There is also a far more harrowing possibility: your phone number could be listed online without your knowledge.
Data brokers are hungry to buy and sell your information. These companies gather information from various public sources online, including social media and public records
Their primary goal is to build databases of people and use this information for tailored advertising and marketing.
Much of this information ends up on public record sites, which display information like your phone number, email, home address, and date of birth for anyone to see.
In the United States, these sites are legally required to remove your information if you request it.
Locate your profile and follow the opt-out instructions, but be warned – these sites do not make it easy and intend to frustrate you out of completing the deregistration process.
For simplicity’s sake, you can also use a tool to purge your information from the Internet.
Norton offers one such service. Called the Privacy Monitor Assistant, the tool finds info online and requests removal on your behalf.
It is also possible that your phone number may be linked to a social media account and publicly displayed on your profile – this happens quite frequently with Facebook.
Be sure to review your privacy settings and confirm this information is hidden away from prying eyes.
As for general tips, never provide sensitive information to strangers over the phone. This includes your social security number, date of birth, or Roku account password.
Real support agents will never ask for this information, nor will representatives of any tech company.
Moreover, do not agree to install third-party software or grant a stranger remote access to your computer.
Representatives from other companies like Apple may ask to take control of your device, so ensure you’re speaking to an actual support agent before allowing them to do so.