How to Recognize and Avoid Tech Support Scams

Tech support scams cost Americans hundreds of millions of dollars each year. They are effective because they exploit genuine anxiety about computer security. The FTC reported tech support fraud was one of the top five fraud categories by reported loss in recent years. Knowing what these scams look like is the most reliable protection.

How Tech Support Scams Start

Scammers use three main entry points:

Pop-up warnings. A browser window fills your screen with alarming text: "Your computer is infected with a virus. Call Microsoft Support immediately: 1-800-XXX-XXXX." The window may play an audio warning or be designed to look like it cannot be closed. This is not a real warning from your operating system or browser. It is a webpage designed to look like one.

Unsolicited phone calls. You receive a call from someone claiming to be from "Microsoft Support," "Apple," "Norton," or "your internet service provider," saying they have detected problems with your computer. Real companies do not make these calls.

Search engine ads. Someone searches for tech support for a real product and clicks a sponsored ad that leads to a fake support number. The number appears legitimate but connects to a scam operation.

What Happens When You Call or Engage

The script is consistent regardless of entry point:

1. The "technician" asks for remote access to your computer to diagnose the problem
2. Once they have access, they show you "evidence" of infection: event logs (which contain normal entries that look alarming out of context), command prompt output, or other technical-looking screens
3. They quote a fee to fix the problem, often $200 to $500 or more
4. Payment is requested by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
5. In some cases, they install actual malware while claiming to remove it, or steal financial information visible on your screen

Red Flags to Recognise Immediately

• A pop-up tells you to call a phone number (legitimate security warnings never include a phone number)
• Someone calls you claiming to be from Microsoft, Apple, or your internet provider
• The caller says they detected a problem on your computer from their end
• You are asked to download remote access software (TeamViewer, AnyDesk, LogMeIn)
• Payment is requested by gift card
• The person becomes pressuring or aggressive when you hesitate

The core rule: No major technology company proactively calls customers to report computer problems. Microsoft, Apple, and Google do not have systems that detect individual consumer computer issues and trigger outbound support calls.

What to Do If It Happens to You

If you see a pop-up: Do not call the number. Close the browser window. If it will not close, force-quit the browser (on Windows: Ctrl+Alt+Delete → Task Manager → End Task; on Mac: Command+Option+Esc → Force Quit). Your computer is almost certainly fine.

If you receive a call: Hang up. Do not give them access to your computer. Do not pay anything.

If you already gave them remote access: Disconnect from the internet immediately (unplug ethernet or turn off Wi-Fi). Run a full security scan using Windows Defender or Malwarebytes. Change passwords for financial accounts and email from a different device.

If you already paid:

• Gift cards: Call the card issuer immediately (number on back of card) and report the fraud. Ask for a refund. Some issuers can recover funds if acted on quickly.
• Wire transfer: Contact your bank immediately and ask about a wire recall.
• Credit card: Dispute the charge with your card issuer.

Where to Report

What to expect: The FTC uses reports to build enforcement cases. Some FTC actions against tech support scam operations have resulted in refund programmes for victims.