About Tech Support Scams
Unfortunately, tech support scams and imposter tech support websites are on the rise. Please use caution when purchasing online or searching for map updates or technical support for your Garmin device.
How Scams Work
The imposters purchase advertisements on search engines (for example, Google) and social media for search terms like “Garmin Map Update” or similar help topics. These ads direct customers to fraudulent sites posing to offer support for Garmin products. Some of these sites charge customers for support, and others are more sophisticated and access the customer’s computer remotely. Installing viruses and/or malware and then charge an exorbitant fee to supposedly remove it.
What Are We Doing About It?
While these fraudulent sites and criminals are not affiliated with Garmin, we take these matters very seriously. We are working with the appropriate law enforcement and governmental agencies where possible, and we submit take-down requests to the domain host providers for the fraudulent websites.
How to Identify and Avoid These Scams
Avoid advertisements for support sites when searching for Garmin map updates or other support-related topics. These ads may appear first in the search results, so be cautious and scroll down until you see support.garmin.com.
Do not provide remote access to your computer to someone claiming to be Garmin product support.
Do not provide payment for basic support services or purchase anti-virus or anti-malware software from someone claiming to be Garmin product support.
Navigate to support.garmin.com for official Garmin support.
Only download Garmin Express (or any other Garmin software or drivers) from Garmin.com pages.
https://www.garmin.com/software/express/ is the only official and authorized download of Garmin Express.
What to Do If You Believe You May Have Been Scammed
Information on Tech Support Scams: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0346-tech-support-scams
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: https://www.ic3.gov/
File a formal complaint: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2020/10/ftc-announces-new-fraud-reporting-platform-consumers-reportfraudftcgov or call Toll Free 877-382-4357.
For international complaints you can find the appropriate link to contacts using this site. https://www.ftc.gov/policy/international/competition-consumer-protection-agencies-worldwide
Contact local law enforcement if you were fraudulently charged or incurred damages as a result of a scam