The web site for OMG Tech Help has been changed to display a notice from the court appointed lawyers that contains information regarding the FTC's action against OMG Tech Help, Boost Software, and Vast Tech Support. This notice also contains a a link to the 14-81397 - Temporary Restraining Order - FTC v. Boost Software.pdf document, which details the activities that were being conducted by OMG Tech Help and Vast Tech Support to unwary victims.
According to the FTC, the scheme starts through a free downloadable program called PC HealthBoost. This software is developed and maintained by the company Boost Software who markets it on "websites and through popup ads". The FTC further states:
Upon downloading a free version of the product, the product automatically initiates a bogus computer system scan that invariably detects hundreds or thousands of purported "errors "in need of repair. PC HealthBoost's bogus free scan falsely identifies innocuous and helpful files as "errors". The Boost Defendants then offer consumers the opportunity to "fix" these errors by downloading the paid version of the software for $29.97. After duping consumers into purchasing the paid version of PC HealthBoost, the software instructs consumers to call a toll free phone number to activate the product.
This is where the Vast Defendants come into action. Their telemarketers would be answering the phone number provided by PC HealthBoost and "tell more lies and extract additional money from unsuspecting consumers, many of whom are senior citizens.". According to the FTC document, this is done by remote controlling the consumers' computers and running programs that help them convince the consumer that their computers are infected and to scare them into purchasing repairs and support contracts that they do not need.
According to the Boost Software TRO, another Remote Tech Support Company called Inbound Call Experts is subject to a similar FTC enforcement. The TRO states:
"Inbound Call Experts, another computer repair scheme operating out of Boca Raton subject to an FTC and State of Florida enforcement action filed simultaneously with this case."
At this time, no further information can be found regarding the FTC enforcement against Inbound Call Experts.
Update 11/20/14:
The FTC has released a press release on the targeting and take down of New York-based Pairsys, Florida-based Inbound Call Experts (ICE) and Florida-based Vast Tech Support.
The FTC sued several of these phony tech support companies – New York-based Pairsys, Florida-based Inbound Call Experts (ICE) and Florida-based Vast Tech Support – for misrepresenting that they found security or performance issues on consumers’ computers. At the FTC’s request, three federal judges halted these alleged scams pending trial.
Inbound Call Experts site now redirects to a court-appointed receiver site: http://icereceiver.com/
Edited by Grinler, 20 November 2014 - 01:56 PM.
Updated