It sounds like you've encountered a classic example of a tech support scam. These scams involve fraudsters posing as legitimate technical support representatives to gain access to your personal and financial information or to trick you into paying for unnecessary services or software updates. The scenario you described raises several red flags that indicate it was indeed a scam:
Unsolicited Calls: Legitimate companies typically don't make unsolicited calls to inform customers about missed payments or software updates.
Pressure Tactics: Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to create a sense of urgency, trying to get victims to act quickly without thinking things through.
Request for Payment: Asking for a substantial amount of money, like the $3000 you mentioned, is a common scam tactic.
Unusual Instructions: Legitimate technical support wouldn't ask you to press specific keys (F1 or F2) to update software.
Language and Accent: The caller's Indian accent might indicate an overseas call center, which is a common characteristic of many tech support scams.
Call-Back Number: Providing a specific call-back number and asking for a specific person raises suspicions. Scammers often use these tactics to make their operation appear more legitimate.
Company Information: Scammers can obtain company names and other information through various means, so the fact that they knew your company name doesn't necessarily mean QuickBooks was involved in selling your information.
It's great that you recognized the signs of a scam . If you receive such calls in the future, it's best to hang up immediately. If you're concerned about your accounts or payments, contact the legitimate company directly using their official contact information from their official website or official communications.
Remember, always be cautious when sharing personal or financial information over the phone, and verify the legitimacy of any caller before taking any action.
