subcontractor of HP tells me that my iMac drive is full of malware.

That USD$2K offer SCREAMS scam.

What to do If you think your Apple Account has been compromised - Apple Support if you provided any personal information or access into your iMac.

The built-in anti-malware and related features in macOS does well. Add-on anti-malware apps tend to be more problems and trouble than they’re worth.

This assuming you were even actually chatting with HP support, and not some sketchy third-party support service or scammer. Lots of those scammers around.

If that really was HP or an HP-affiliated support provider you were chatting with, I’d return the HP printer to HP, and buy a Brother printer with AirPrint support.

The HP OfficeJet Pro 9120e printer supports AirPrint, so doesn’t need add-in drivers for common printing functions.

If you'd like to run your own scan for malware on your iMac, there is one particular utility that gets generally good reviews and recommendations from users here in the community - Malwarebytes.

Download it and run the scan. If it detects problems it can quarantine any user files that it finds suspicious. You don't have to use the always-on features. Just run your scan and when done just uninstall the app.

Visit us here again if you have additional questions.

BTW, I agree with the others that your interaction with HP's "contractor" is suspect. It's a shame that they feel the need to run that scam.

Huge red flag:

He also provided (on screen but deleted at the end of the session) something he thought indicated activity by the malware.

It's unlikely you were talking to HP or a genuine support contractor hired by HP. You likely had a nice chat with criminals out to steal your credentials.

If you gave the "contractor" remote access to your computer, change all your passwords and log-ins immediately. It's likely you've been scammed twice: once by the contractor, and once by the search engine that allows these people high placement in search results in return for money. Those top-ranking positions cost money and the search engines are glad to collect it. They don't care about you

It's not only computers. I searched for support for Kenmore appliances and the top three hits were NOT Kenmore. It is a scam in which the search engines are all-to-eager to be complicit.

Chuck White wrote:

I spent a few hours trying to install the HP driver for a new printer (HP Office Jet Pro 9120e series) and then called HP's support. The consultant told me that my iMace was full of malware andI needed to be cleaned by a professional. He also provided (on screen but deleted at the end of the session) something he thought indicated activity by the malware. At my request, he provided me information about obtaining short term or 'lifetime' (who's lifetime - their company or mine...). I don't remember all of the prices but the senior citizens lifetime option was $2000 plus. I don't particularly believe the guy but I am interested in how to find malware on my own and how much money should I expect to pay.

My computer is an iMac Please provide suggestions as to what I need to do. Frankly, I'm not convinced by the marketing representative).

Thanks.

You're being scammed, hopefully you didn't provide any financial or personal details, if you did change your password ad contact your bank NOW.

You are not the first to complain about that problem with HP Support.

First they sell you a service plan, an Ink subscription and then their consultant connects you to a scammer.

My first thought is to tell you to return the HP and buy an Epson Eco-Tank or a Brother Tank Printer.

However, if you want to keep the HP Office Jet Pro 9120e..?

Note that is AirPrint compatible with your iMac.

see > About AirPrint - Apple Support

AirPrint does not require any software or drivers from the manufacture.

All you need to do is connect the printer to your local Wi-Fi network.

see > Connect an AirPrint printer to a Wi-Fi network - Apple Support

Then Add the Wi-Fi printer on your local Wi-Fi network to your Mac, iPad and iPhone.

see > Add a printer to your printer list so you can use it on Mac - Apple Support

Just in case you need another opinion. You did NOT contact HP or anyone actually representing HP. You have been scammed.

This screams "Scammer posing as HP!"

And if by any remote chance, it was HP, it screams "Incompetence!"

HP Support – HP OfficeJet Pro 9120e All-in-One series

You didn't say what version of macOS you are running. There don't seem to be any downloadable drivers for the current version (Sequoia). Instead, HP wants you to create a HP account and install and run their HP Smart App. Then they'll probably try to rope you into an ink subscription.

About AirPrint - Apple Support

Lists the "HP OfficeJet Pro 9120e All-In-One Printer" as being AirPrint-compatible. If correct, this means that you can set up the printer and use a lot of its printing features without the need for any separate HP driver.

Add a printer to your printer list so you can use it on Mac - Apple Support

Print wirelessly from your Mac to your printer - Apple Support