The changes will take effect on July 1, 2023.

The Problem of Tech Support Scams

Tech support scams have become a significant concern for consumers in recent years. These scams typically involve a scammer claiming to be from a reputable tech company, such as Microsoft or Apple, and convincing the victim to pay for unnecessary or non-existent tech support services. The scammers often use high-pressure sales tactics, creating a sense of urgency to get the victim to act quickly. The FTC estimates that Americans lost over $1 billion in 2020 alone to tech support scams. The scammers use various tactics to gain the victim’s trust, including: + Using fake caller ID to make it appear as if the call is coming from a legitimate company. + Creating a sense of urgency to get the victim to act quickly. + Using high-pressure sales tactics to convince the victim to pay for unnecessary services.*

The Proposed Changes to the TSR

The FTC is amending the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) to better protect consumers from tech support scams.

The new rule will take effect on July 1, 2023.

The Rise of Telemarketing Scams

The number of telemarketing scams has been on the rise in recent years, with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reporting a significant increase in complaints about these types of calls. According to the FTC, in 2020, there were over 1.3 million complaints about telemarketing scams, with the majority of them coming from older consumers. The FTC attributes this increase to the growing use of technology, which has made it easier for scammers to reach a wider audience. Key statistics: + 1.3 million complaints about telemarketing scams in 2020 + Majority of complaints came from older consumers + FTC attributes the increase to the growing use of technology

The Impact on Older Consumers

The impact of telemarketing scams on older consumers has been particularly devastating.

Clarifying the Scope of Technical Support Services for a Safer and More Transparent Industry.

Technical Support Services: A New Definition and Its Implications

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has introduced a new rule that defines technical support services as any plan, program, software, or service marketed to repair, maintain, or improve the performance or security of a device. This new definition aims to clarify the scope of technical support services and provide clarity for consumers, businesses, and the industry as a whole.

Understanding the New Definition

The FTC’s new rule defines technical support services as:

Examples of Technical Support Services

Implications of the New Definition

The new definition of technical support services has significant implications for consumers, businesses, and the industry. Some of the key implications include: