Information and Alerts

Alert

Since August 2021, BBB received several complaints, scam tracker reports and a customer review for Heal Rust. Several consumers indicated they thought they were working with Amazon, while one consumer had contacted Youtube TV to fix issues they were having. Most of the consumers began with using the chat feature and were then told a technician would call. During the call, consumers allege the technician took control of their computer without asking permission and told them their network was infected and they needed a firewall. Heal Rust offered a 3 year service plan for $299, however consumers state they did not find any programs on their computers after their experience with the technician.

Whois.com shows the company website was registered in May 2021. Further investigation shows the entire website is a copy of a legitimate company in Austin, Texas. The About Us page discusses the Texas company’s accolades and accomplishments. The Privacy Policy discusses the Texas company’s billing company and subsidiaries. Heal Rust’s website is a shell, with the links not actively working.

Update: November 2021, BBB received two more Scam Tracker reports. As of November 29, 2021, the website has been taken down by the hosting company.

BBB offers the following tips regarding tech support offers:

• Beware of fake websites. Check the URL, watch for bad grammar, research the age of the domain, and search for contact information. See BBB’s tips for identifying a fake website.
  

• Do not purchase any software or services from an unsolicited call, email, bogus website, or online ad. Never give control of your computer to a third party unless you can confirm that it is a legitimate representative of a computer support team with whom you are already a customer.
  
• Do not be fooled if a phony tech support scammer knows your name, address or even some facts about how your computer operates. Cybercriminals trade information about customers and often claim to have specific information about your computer that is very generic. 
  
• Do not rely solely on monthly statements from your bank or credit card companies; check account activity online or by phone at least weekly for quick indicators of fraud. If you have been defrauded, contact your bank or credit card company.
  
• Do NOT contact the fraudulent company or respond to a fraudster claiming to need your financial information to address overpayment or provide a refund.