Additional Information for MySoft Squad LLC

In August 2020, BBB conducted an investigation of the company based on a pattern of complaints.

Since July 2020, BBB recieved consumer complaints concerning high pressure sales tactics to sign up for computer protection plans.

BBB found that the website www.mysoftsquad.com was created on May 5th, 2019. After reviewing the website content, it appears the business advertises website development services for businesses.

In August 2020, BBB contacted the business requesting additional information to better understand the nature of their business and services. Since July 2020, BBB received a pattern of complaints concerning high pressure sales practice issues.

Specifically, consumer complaints allege that while searching for updates to Garmin Maps, they were redirected to representatives of MySoft Squad LLC. The representatives claimed that the consumer's PC needed to be scanned and offered protection services for a fee. When consumers declined to accept the protection services, the representatives informed them that they will block access to Garmin Maps. Consumers indicated they felt pressured to accept the protection service in order to continue having access to Garmin Maps.

In August 2020, BBB contacted the business to obtain their position on the pattern of compaints received. Due to a pattern of complaints concerning consumers being redirected to MySoft Squad LLC while searching for Garmin updates, BBB is including an article from Garmin's Suppport Center.
To view the full article, please visit:
https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=jhhR3a8yqf0CU4W2jR4tS9

About Tech Support Scams
Unfortunately, tech support scams and imposter tech support websites are on the rise. Please use caution when purchasing online or searching for map updates or technical support for your Garmin device.

How the scams work

The imposters purchase advertisements on search engines (for example, Google) and social media for search terms like "Garmin Map Update" or similar help topics. These ads direct customers to fraudulent sites posing to offer support for Garmin products. Some of these sites charge customers for support, and others are more sophisticated and access the customer's computer remotely, download viruses and/or malware and then charge an exorbitant fee to supposedly remove it.

What we are doing about it

While these fraudulent sites and criminals are not affiliated with Garmin, we take these matters very seriously. We are working with the appropriate law enforcement and governmental agencies where possible, and we submit take-down requests to the domain host providers for the fraudulent websites.

How to identify and avoid these scams

Avoid advertisements for support sites when searching for Garmin map updates or other support-related topics. These ads may appear first in the search results, so be cautious and scroll down until you see support.garmin.com.
Navigate away from sites with pop-up chat windows asking if you need help and requesting you call a toll-free number or leave your number for a technician to call back.
Do not provide remote access to your computer to someone claiming to be Garmin product support.
Do not provide payment for basic support services or purchase anti-virus or anti-malware software from someone claiming to be Garmin product support.
Navigate to support.garmin.com for official Garmin support.
Only download Garmin Express (or any other Garmin software or drivers) from garmin.com pages.Garmin.com/express is the only official and authorized download of Garmin Express.

What to do if you believe you may have been scammed

File a formal complaint with the FTC: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#&panel1-1 or call toll free 877-382-4357
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx
For international complaints, you can find the appropriate link to contacts using this site: https://www.ftc.gov/policy/international/competition-consumer-protection-authorities-worldwide
Contact local law enforcement if you were fraudulently charged or incurred damages as a result of a scam
More about tech support scams

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0346-tech-support-scams BBB Tip: Tech Support Scams
By International Association of Better Business Bureaus. July 20, 2020.
TO view the full article, please visit:
https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/16553-bbb-tip-tech-support-scams

A tech support rep calls you at home and offers to fix a computer bug that you haven't even noticed, or a popup warning appears on your screen instructing you to dial a number for help. In this con, scammers pose as tech support employees of well-known computer companies and hassle victims into paying for their "support."

How the Scam Works:

A call comes through on the Caller ID or a popup on your computer screen from someone claiming to be with tech support from a well-known software company. Microsoft, Comcast, Norton and Dell are all popular choices. The caller ceates a sense of urgency--the computer is sending error messages, they've detected a virus, or your computer is about to crash causing a massive loss of data!

Rest assured. The tech support employee can fix the problem but only if they're allowed to remote access the troubled machine. Once access is granted, the caller will often run a "scan" and claim the computer is infected with viruses. The offer is made to fix and repair the machine for a fee. That may not be the end of the scam. If you allow remote access, malware may be installed on your machine. Malware often scans files in search of personal information, which scammers then use to commit identity theft.

Tips to spot this scam:

Never give control of your computer to a third party unless you know it is the representative of a computer support team you contacted.
Legitimate tech support companies don't call unsolicited. A popular way for thieves to get in touch with victims is through cold calls. The callers often claim to be from a tech company. Scammers do and they can spoof official looking phone numbers, so don't trust Caller ID.
Look out for warning screens: Nearly half of tech support scams begin with an alert on the victim's computer screen. This pop up will have a phone number to call for help. Instead, shutdown the computer and restart it.
Be wary of sponsored links. When searching online for tech support, look out for sponsored ads at the top of the results list. Many of these links lead to businesses that scam consumers.
Avoid clicking on links in unfamiliar emails. Scammers also use email to reach victims. These messages point consumers to scam websites that launch pop-ups with the fake warnings and phone numbers.
If you are a victim of a tech support scam:

Contact the bank immediately.
Take the laptop, tablet, or computer that was infected to a trusted local business and have it checked out.
Remove any software that authorized remote access to the device.
Change all of the passwords used to access bank accounts, social media and other websites that contain personal information.
File a report with BBB Scam Tracker and with law enforcement authorities, such as the FTC
Learn how to protect yourself, go to "10 Steps to Avoid Scams" and sign up for scam alerts.

In Canada, please report tech support scams to the Canadian Fraud Centre

Learn more about BBB Accreditation Standards and BBB Standards for Trust.

Read BBB's complete study with more details on who is behind tech support scams, how they are requesting money, and whom they are victimizing, as well as BBB's recommendations for dealing with the problem.