Tech Support Scams
Fake tech support, virus warnings, and remote access fraud
How It Hooks You (Psychology)
- •Create fear: "Your computer is infected!"
- •Impersonate trusted brands (Microsoft, Apple, Norton)
- •Use technical jargon to sound legitimate
- •Pressure you to act immediately
- •Gain remote access to "fix" the problem
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unsolicited pop-up warnings about viruses
- Cold calls claiming to be from tech companies
- Requests for remote access to your device
- Asks for payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
- Claims they detected a problem you didn't report
- High-pressure tactics to fix problems immediately
- Request payment for "lifetime" or "premium" support
- Shows you scary-looking (but fake) system warnings
Common Examples
- •Pop-up claiming Windows Defender found viruses
- •Call from "Microsoft" about suspicious activity
- •Email from "Apple" about account security
- •Browser locked with fake FBI warning
- •Call claiming your router or internet is compromised
- •Message that your subscription expired and needs renewal
What To Do Now
- Hang up immediately if they called you
- Close the pop-up or browser tab (force quit if needed)
- Do not call any numbers in the pop-up
- If you gave remote access, disconnect from internet immediately
- Uninstall any remote access software they installed
- Run a full antivirus scan with reputable software
- Change all passwords from a different device
- Contact your real tech support provider if concerned
If You Already Paid
- •Contact your bank or card issuer immediately
- •For gift cards, contact the retailer and provide card numbers
- •Monitor your accounts for unauthorized access
- •Remove all remote access software
- •Run malware scans with multiple tools
- •Consider professional help if they had extended access
- •Change all passwords, starting with email and banking
- •Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts
⚠️ Avoid Round-Two Scams
Tech support scammers keep lists of previous victims. You may receive additional calls claiming to refund you, or offering "premium" protection against future scams. These are follow-up attempts. Real tech companies do not call you unsolicited.