Tech support scams occur when criminals pose as representatives from Microsoft, Apple, your internet provider, or computer manufacturers. They claim your computer is infected, compromised, or needs urgent repairs. Their goal is to gain remote access to your device, steal personal information, or trick you into paying for unnecessary “services.”

Why These Scams Are So Effective:

• They exploit our fear of technology problems
• Create artificial urgency about computer “threats”
• Sound professional and knowledgeable
• Prey on our desire to fix problems quickly

The Cold Call Approach:

Your phone rings, and a professional-sounding person says, “This is Microsoft calling about your computer.” They claim they’ve detected viruses, hackers, or suspicious activity on your system. They might reference your IP address or mention seeing “error messages” from your computer.

The Pop-Up Trap:

You’re browsing the web when suddenly a warning appears: “Your computer is infected! Call this number immediately!” Often accompanied by scary sounds, fake virus scans, or messages claiming your computer will be “permanently damaged” if you don’t act now.

The Remote Access Request:

Once they have your attention, scammers guide you to download remote access software like TeamViewer, AnyDesk, or LogMeIn. They claim they need to “fix” your computer remotely. Once connected, they can install malware, steal files, or show you fake problems.

The Payment Demand:

After “diagnosing” your computer (often showing normal system files and claiming they’re malware), they demand payment for “repairs” or “protection software.” They prefer gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency—methods that can’t be reversed.

Call Characteristics:

• Unsolicited calls claiming to be from tech companies
• Heavy foreign accents (though some scammers now use American voices)
• Pressure to act immediately
• Refusal to provide callback numbers or verification details
• Claims they can “see” your computer problems remotely

Website and Pop-Up Warning Signs:

• Fake warning messages that won’t close easily
• Websites that mimic legitimate company pages but have suspicious URLs
• Pop-ups that prevent you from closing your browser
• Messages claiming your computer will be “blocked” or “disabled”
• Fake countdown timers creating artificial urgency

Verification Red Flags:

• They can’t verify your actual computer model or operating system
• They ask you to confirm personal information they should already have
• They refuse to send written estimates or documentation
• They demand immediate payment before explaining the work

During Suspicious Calls:

Never give remote access to unsolicited callers. Instead, tell them you’ll call back through official channels. Get their name, company, and callback number, then hang up and verify independently.

Verification Steps:

1. Look up the official phone number for the company they claim to represent
2. Call that number directly and ask if they contacted you
3. Check your computer manufacturer’s website for legitimate support contacts
4. Ask trusted family members or local computer shops for advice

Pop-Up Defense:

• Never call numbers from pop-up warnings
• Close your browser completely if you encounter suspicious pop-ups
• Run a legitimate antivirus scan if you’re concerned
• Clear your browser cache and cookies after encountering suspicious websites

During the Call:

• Don’t download any software they recommend
• Don’t provide credit card or bank information
• Don’t allow remote access to your computer
• Write down everything they tell you
• End the call if you feel pressured

Immediate Actions:

• Change all important passwords from a different device
• Contact your bank if you provided financial information
• Run a full antivirus scan
• Consider having a trusted computer professional check your system

Technology Settings:

• Keep operating systems and software updated
• Use reputable antivirus software
• Enable automatic updates for security patches
• Configure pop-up blockers in your browser
• Consider call-blocking services for unsolicited calls

Education and Awareness:

• Learn how to identify legitimate tech support contacts
• Understand that real companies don’t call unsolicited
• Know how to properly shut down suspicious pop-ups
• Keep a list of official support numbers handy

Immediate Steps:

1. Disconnect your computer from the internet
2. Change all passwords from a clean device
3. Contact your bank and credit card companies
4. File reports with local police and the FTC
5. Have your computer professionally cleaned

Recovery Actions:

• Monitor financial accounts closely
• Consider professional computer forensics if sensitive data was accessed
• Update all security software and run comprehensive scans
• Be prepared for follow-up scam attempts

Real tech support waits for you to contact them—they don’t call you. Legitimate companies provide clear verification, written estimates, and multiple contact methods. Trust your instincts: if something feels rushed or suspicious, it probably is.

Remember: when in doubt, hang up and call back through official channels. Your computer—and your wallet—will thank you.

Ready to put this advice into action? Here are direct links to the official resources and services that will help you implement strong defenses against tech support scams today. These carefully selected resources are organized to match exactly where you might be in dealing with these scams, from prevention through computer recovery.

Official Tech Company Verification

When you receive unexpected calls claiming to be from tech companies, these official support pages provide the real contact information you need to verify whether the call was legitimate. Having these bookmarked removes the guesswork when you’re under pressure during a suspicious call.

Computer Security and Malware Removal

If you’re concerned that your computer might actually have problems or if you’ve already given scammers access to your system, these resources provide legitimate ways to check your computer’s health and remove any actual threats without falling victim to more scams.

Scam Reporting and Recovery

If you’ve been targeted by tech support scammers or have already fallen victim, these official government resources provide immediate pathways to report the crime and begin recovery. Quick action through these channels can sometimes help with financial recovery and always helps law enforcement track these criminal operations.

Professional Computer Help and Education

These resources help you find legitimate computer help when you actually need it, and provide ongoing education about real cybersecurity threats versus scammer tactics. Learning from these trusted sources helps you distinguish between genuine computer problems and manufactured scammer emergencies.