No real tech company will call you about a virus or tell you to phone a number from a pop-up. Scammers count on people not knowing that.
Tech support scams invent a computer problem to get your money, your financial details or control of your device. They’re especially common against older adults, but anyone can be caught off guard.
How they reach you
According to the Federal Trade Commission, scammers typically use:
- Pop-ups that copy a well-known brand, lock up the screen and urge you to call a number.
- Phone calls or texts from someone claiming to be from a tech company.
- Search ads and fake sites placed where people look for support.
- Fake renewal notices saying you’ve been charged hundreds of dollars for a subscription, often using the names of well-known security or support brands, with a short deadline to “dispute” it.
The red flags
- A warning on screen tells you to call a phone number. Real security alerts don’t do that.
- Someone contacts you unexpectedly about a problem with your computer.
- You’re pressured to act immediately.
- You’re asked to install software or give remote access.
- You’re asked to pay with gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency or a payment app.
Watch for
Remote access is the real prize. Once someone can control your computer, they can install malware, steal passwords or fake a “refund” screen to make it look like they sent you too much money.
If you’ve already let them in
- Disconnect the device from the internet.
- Uninstall any remote access software they had you install.
- Update and run your security software, and remove anything it flags.
- Change passwords for email, banking and any account you used on that device, from a different, clean device.
- Contact your bank or card issuer if you paid or shared financial details. Ask about reversing charges.
- Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you told them your Social Security number or other identity details, IdentityTheft.gov has a recovery plan.
Verdict
Treat any unexpected call, pop-up or renewal notice about your computer as a scam until you’ve checked it yourself, using contact details you found independently.
Scammers also lean on fake security apps and “protection” pitches; our honest look at VPNs explains what real privacy tools do. And if a fake renewal notice mentions a subscription you don’t recognize, check your statements against the streaming subscription audit.
The essentials
- Real security warnings never ask you to call a phone number, and legitimate tech companies don’t call you out of the blue about problems.
- Fake renewal emails and texts claiming a large charge are a common way in.
- Scammers ask for remote access and payment by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency or payment app.
- If you gave access or paid, act quickly: disconnect, scan, change passwords and contact your bank.
Reader questions
What if the pop-up won’t close?
Close the browser entirely, using the task manager if you need to, or restart the device. Don’t call the number or click anything in the pop-up.
Can I trust a support number from a search engine?
Be careful. Scammers buy ads and create pages that look official. Get support numbers from the company’s own website, typed in yourself, or from your product documentation.
Someone says my bank account is compromised and I should move money to keep it safe. Is that real?
No. Government agencies and real companies never ask you to move money to protect it, withdraw cash or buy gold. That’s always a scam.
We describe how services generally work; features, settings and terms change often, and they differ between companies. This is general information, not legal advice. Check the provider’s current policies and official sources such as FTC.gov.