Fake Tech Support Scams
Tech support scammers pretend to be from well-known companies like Microsoft, Apple, your internet provider or your bank’s security team. They convince you that your computer is infected or your account is hacked, get remote access to your device, and then steal money or sell you worthless “repairs.” Older adults are frequent targets.
- Everyone
- Older adults
- Small businesses
Photo: full-screen fake virus warning with a phone number to call
How they reach you
- Pop-ups: a loud, full-screen warning says your computer is infected and to call a number immediately. It’s just a web page.
- Calls: someone says they’re from Microsoft or Apple and detected a problem on your computer.
- Emails: fake invoices for antivirus or subscription renewals with a number to call to “cancel.”
- Search results: fake support numbers in ads when you search for help.
What happens next
- They ask you to install a remote access program so they can “fix” your computer.
- They show you fake errors and warnings.
- They charge for unnecessary repairs, or claim they gave you too large a “refund” and need you to send the difference back.
- They may install malware, steal passwords, or get into your bank account while connected.
Know the truth
- Real tech companies don’t call you out of the blue about viruses.
- Real security warnings don’t include a phone number to call.
- No legitimate company will ask you to pay with gift cards, crypto or a wire transfer, or to log into your bank while they watch.
If you see a scary pop-up
- Don’t call the number or click anything in the pop-up.
- Close the browser. If it won’t close, use Task Manager (Ctrl+Alt+Delete on Windows) or Force Quit (Mac), or restart the computer.
- Run your regular security software if you’re worried. See Software Updates.
If you let them in
- Disconnect from the internet and uninstall any remote access program they had you install.
- Run a security scan, or have a trusted, local technician check the computer.
- From a different device, change passwords for email, banking and other important accounts.
- Call your bank and card issuers; dispute any charges.
- Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and ic3.gov.
Standards & references
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