If you’re like most people, you use Norton Antivirus to protect your computer from viruses and other online threats. But did you know that Norton is also a popular target for scammers? In this article, we’ll take a look at 13 of the most common Norton scams and show you how to avoid them. Let’s dive right in!
Can You Get Scammed Using Norton Antivirus Software?
Norton is a well-known and trusted antivirus software provider, but that doesn’t mean you’re immune to scams while using it. Be careful of emails or websites that ask for your Norton account information, as this could be a phishing attempt.
Only enter your account information on the Norton website or into the Norton app, and never share it with anyone else. If you think you may have fallen victim to a scam while using Norton, be sure to report it to Norton immediately.
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Common Norton Scams to Be Aware Of
As a legitimate antivirus site, Norton is a common target for scammers. Here are 12 of the most common scams you might encounter while using Norton:
1. Norton Email Scams
The Norton email scam is one of the most common scams associated with the antivirus software. In this scam, you’ll receive a suspicious email that looks like it’s from Norton. The goal of the scammer is to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment that contains malware.
2. Norton Lifelock Scam
Identity theft is a serious problem, and Norton offers a service called Lifelock to help protect you from it. However, there’s also an identity theft scam that uses Norton’s name to try and steal your identity.
In this scam, you’ll receive an email or phone call from someone claiming to be from Norton Lifelock. Don’t fall for it! Norton Lifelock will never contact you out of the blue and ask for your personal information.
3. Norton Subscription Scam
The Norton subscription scam is another common email scam. In this case, the scammers will send you an email that looks like it’s from Norton, asking you to renew your Norton subscription. They may even offer a discount to entice you.
4. Norton Phishing Emails
In this Norton email scam, Scammers will send you an email that looks like it’s from the official antivirus company, asking you to click on a link or download an attachment. If you do, they may install malware on your computer or steal your personal information. Never click on suspicious links and only visit the official Norton site, avoiding sites from fraudulent search engine results.
5. Norton Phone Scams
Scammers will also try to reach you by phone with an urgent request or message, pretending to be from Norton. They may say there’s a problem with your computer or that your subscription is about to expire.
More Norton Scams to Watch Out For
Norton is a popular target of scammers like other security services because it’s a well-known and trusted brand. Be on the lookout for these other scams as well:
6. Norton Tech Support Scam
There are plenty of scammers who will claim to be Norton tech support in an attempt to gain access to your computer. They may say there’s a problem with your computer or that your subscription is about to expire.
7. Norton Antivirus Free Trial Scam
In this scam, you’ll be offered a free trial of Norton Antivirus, but you’ll actually end up paying for it. Scammers will often use fake websites or pop-ups to lure you in.
8. Norton Virus Removal Scam
There are also scams that claim to offer virus removal services from Norton. However, these services are usually unnecessary and overpriced.
9. Norton Coupon Scams
Scammers will often use fake coupons or discounts to entice you to buy Norton products from them. Be sure to only buy Norton products from the official website or authorized retailers.
10. Norton Refund Scam
This is when scammers will promise to refund your purchase if you provide them with your credit card information. Norton will never ask for your credit card information in order to process a refund.
11. Fake Norton Update Scam
In this scam, you receive a notification, either via email or a pop-up on your computer, claiming that their Norton Antivirus software needs an urgent update. The notification looks official and urges you to click a link to perform the update. However, the link leads to a malicious website or downloads malware directly to the user’s computer.
How to Avoid:
- Always update your Norton Antivirus software directly through the official application or website.
- Be cautious of any unsolicited notifications or emails prompting you to update your software.
- Verify the legitimacy of the message by contacting Norton’s official customer support.
12. Norton License Expiration Scam
In this scam, you receive an email or phone call informing them that their Norton Antivirus license is about to expire. The message pressures you to renew your subscription immediately by providing payment details. The scammers may use fear tactics, suggesting that the user’s computer will be at risk without immediate renewal. However, the communication is fraudulent, and any payment information provided goes directly to the scammers.
How to Avoid:
- Keep track of your actual Norton subscription expiration date through your official Norton account.
- Do not respond to unsolicited calls or emails about your Norton subscription.
- Renew your Norton license only through the official Norton website or application.
It’s essential to remain vigilant and skeptical of any unsolicited communication claiming to be from Norton, especially if it requests personal information or immediate action. Always verify through official channels to ensure the safety of your information and devices.
How to Avoid a Norton Scam
Paying attention to expired antivirus settings and reaching out to the official Norton technical support team are a couple of ways to avoid being scammed. Norton’s articles provide educational information on staying safe. Here are five tips to avoid a Norton scam:
- Be Wary of Suspicious Emails: If you receive an email that looks like it’s from Norton but seems suspicious, don’t click on any links or open any attachments. Instead, mark the email as spam and delete it.
- Only Visit the Official Norton Site: When you need to visit Norton’s website, make sure you type the URL into your browser directly. Don’t click on any links that could take you to a fake site.
- Never Share Your Personal Information: Norton will never ask you for your password or credit card information unless you’re buying something directly from them. If you’re ever asked for this information, it’s a scam.
- Beware of Norton Phone Scams: If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from Norton, don’t give them any information. Hang up and call Norton’s customer service line to confirm the call was legitimate.
- Keep Your Software Up-to-Date: One of the best ways to avoid scams is to make sure your Norton software is always up-to-date. That way, you’ll have the latest security features and won’t be as vulnerable to attacks.
| Tips to Avoid Norton Scams | Description |
|---|---|
| Be Wary of Suspicious Emails | Exercise caution with emails that appear to be from Norton but seem suspicious. Refrain from clicking links or opening attachments. Mark such emails as spam and delete them. |
| Only Visit the Official Norton Site | Type Norton's URL directly into your browser when visiting their website. Avoid clicking on links that could lead to fake sites, ensuring your interactions are with the authentic site. |
| Never Share Your Personal Information | Norton will never ask for your password or credit card details unless you're making a direct purchase. Avoid sharing this sensitive information unless you're certain of the legitimacy of the request. |
| Beware of Norton Phone Scams | If someone claiming to be from Norton contacts you via phone, do not provide any information. Hang up and verify the call's legitimacy by reaching out to Norton's official customer service. |
| Keep Your Software Up-to-Date | Regularly update your Norton software to access the latest security features. This practice minimizes vulnerabilities and enhances your protection against emerging threats and potential scams. |
Can Someone Hack You Using Remote Access With Norton Software?
Norton’s remote access feature is designed to be secure and only allows authorized users to access your computer. However, no system is perfect and there’s always a possibility that someone could hack into your computer if they were able to get past Norton’s security measures. To reduce the risk of being hacked, make sure you seek tech support directly from reputable sources.
Does Norton Send Text Messages?
If you receive a suspicious message purporting to be from Norton, don’t click on any links or open any attachments. Instead, mark the message as spam and delete it. If you’re not sure whether a message is really from Norton, you can always reach out to their customer service team for help.
How Do You Stop Norton Charging Your Credit Card?
If you need to stop Norton from charging your credit card, you can cancel your subscription by logging into your account and going to the ‘Billing’ section. From there, you’ll be able to cancel your subscription and get a refund for any unused time. You can also reach out to Norton support for help.
Should You Trust Norton with Your Personal or Financial Information?
Norton is a well-known and reputable company, so you can trust them with your personal or account information. Norton Internet Security is one of the most comprehensive security suites available today. It offers a wide range of features and protection against online threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Get Scammed Using Norton Antivirus Software?
While Norton is widely recognized as a trusted antivirus software provider, it’s important to remain vigilant against potential scams. Cybercriminals often exploit the reputation of reputable brands like Norton to deceive users. Be cautious of unsolicited emails or websites that request your Norton account information. These could be phishing attempts aimed at stealing your sensitive data. To ensure your safety, only enter your account details on the official Norton website or within the Norton app, and never share this information with anyone. If you suspect any fraudulent activity, promptly report it to Norton’s official channels for investigation.
What Should You Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed?
If you believe you’ve fallen victim to a scam while using Norton, it’s crucial to take immediate action. First, cease any interaction with the suspected scammer. Then, report the incident to Norton’s official customer support or security team. They can provide guidance on further steps to take, such as verifying your account security and minimizing potential damage. Remember that acting promptly can help mitigate the impact of the scam and safeguard your digital well-being.
What Are Common Norton Scams?
Norton scams encompass a range of deceptive tactics designed to exploit users’ trust. Among the most prevalent are Norton email scams, where attackers send seemingly legitimate emails with malicious links or attachments. Norton Lifelock scams leverage the service’s reputation to trick users into divulging personal information. Phishing emails imitating Norton’s official communications aim to harvest sensitive data. Phone scams impersonate Norton support to extract information or payments. These scams highlight the importance of staying informed about the evolving tactics cybercriminals employ and maintaining caution.
How Can You Avoid Norton Scams?
To thwart Norton scams effectively, adopt a proactive stance:
- Be Wary of Suspicious Emails: Emails appearing to be from Norton but raising suspicion should be treated as potential scams. Avoid clicking links or opening attachments, and mark the email as spam.
- Visit Official Norton Site Directly: Always access Norton’s official website by typing the URL directly into your browser. Refrain from clicking links that could lead to fraudulent sites.
- Never Share Personal Info: Norton will never request passwords or credit card information via unsolicited emails or calls. Share such information only through secure channels.
- Beware of Phone Scams: If someone claiming to be from Norton contacts you, refrain from sharing information. Disconnect and verify the call’s legitimacy with Norton’s official customer service.
- Keep Software Up-to-Date: Regularly update your Norton software to leverage the latest security features and enhance your protection against evolving scams.
Can Someone Hack You Using Norton’s Remote Access?
Norton’s remote access feature prioritizes security, allowing only authorized users to access your computer. While the system is designed to be robust, no technology is entirely immune to hacking risks. To minimize vulnerabilities, ensure you seek technical support exclusively from reputable sources. By maintaining a cautious approach and seeking assistance from verified channels, you can bolster your digital security against potential threats.
Does Norton Send Text Messages?
Norton does not typically communicate via text messages. If you receive an unexpected text message purporting to be from Norton, exercise caution. Refrain from clicking links or opening attachments. Mark the message as spam and consider reaching out to Norton’s official customer service for guidance and validation.
How Can You Stop Norton from Charging Your Credit Card?
To prevent further charges from Norton, navigate to your account’s ‘Billing’ section. From there, cancel your subscription to halt any upcoming payments. In most cases, Norton provides refunds for any unused subscription time. If you encounter difficulties, don’t hesitate to contact Norton’s official support for assistance in resolving the matter.
Is It Safe to Trust Norton with Personal Information?
Absolutely, Norton is a respected and reliable company known for securing personal and financial information. Norton Internet Security offers comprehensive protection against a broad spectrum of online threats. As long as you engage with official Norton channels and adhere to recognized security practices, you can confidently trust Norton to safeguard your valuable data and maintain your online safety.
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This article, "12 Norton Scams to Watch Out For" was first published on Small Business Trends
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