Google and other search engines are useful for finding information, but you should not use a search engine to lookup business phone numbers, email addresses and other contact information.

Scammers take advantage of search results and spoof legitimate business contact information and replace it with their own. When you call the phone number listed, the call will be answered by a person pretending to be with the company, but they are cybercriminals out to steal your personal and financial information.

Tech companies are targets for cybercriminals, they know people will be calling for technical support related to their computers and other devices, this gives scammers an open door to remotely log into a caller’s computer and implant trojans, keyloggers and other malware on the device.

When using a search engine to look for a tech companies number you often find the number listed at the top of the search result window. Many times, this is a fake number, posted by scammers.

This works out great for the scammer because instead of them initiating the call, you are calling them.

Scammers also trick callers into paying them for their “support services”

There are safer ways to contact legitimate companies.

If you still have the box and the documentation the product came with check there. Often you can find the contact information for the business.

Go to the company website directly by typing their real web address in the address bar of your browser. Once on the website look for the “contact us” page.

Most companies now have an automated system that answers calls. You are prompted to press a series of numbers or answer automated questions to reach the area of support you are looking for.

Sometimes you can verbally say “representative, operator or customer representative” or press 0 or # to talk to an actual person. You can also try not pressing any keys or speaking when prompted. Some services respond to silence by transferring the call to a customer representative.

Some companies offer a “call back” feature. You will be added to a queue and your call will be returned in the order in which it was received. Often, they give you an estimated return call time.

You might also find an email option on a company’s website. If you don’t need immediate assistance email works well. Email also provides you with a record of your conversation.

Many sites now offer online chat which allows you to quickly “in most cases” reach a live person to discuss your issue, although some chats are just scripted responses and not a real person.

Some companies offer support on Reddit. Mint Mobile the cell phone provider does most of their support on Reddit. Microsoft and others tech companies also use Reddit.

If you do get through to customer service but you are not receiving the help you need, ask to speak to a supervisor. Most customer service representatives are required to transfer your call to their supervisor or the next tier of support when you ask.