Well-known tech companies don’t call you out of the blue about viruses, and real security warnings don’t ask you to phone a number. If a call or pop-up wants remote access to your computer or payment to “fix” it, it’s a scam.
How fake tech support scams reach you
Tech support scams come in two main forms. In the first, someone calls you claiming to be from a large software company, your internet provider or a security firm. They say your computer is sending error reports, has been hacked, or that your license has expired.
In the second, you are browsing and a page suddenly fills the screen with a warning: your device is infected, your data is at risk, call this number immediately. The page may play an alarm sound, show flashing text, or seem to lock your browser. It often uses a well-known company’s logo.
Both routes end the same way. You end up on the phone with a “technician” who wants to connect to your computer.
What happens once you’re on the line
The scammer usually asks you to install a remote access tool. These are real, legitimate programs, which is why security software may not flag them. Once connected, they can see and control your screen.
They then “prove” there is a problem. Common tricks include opening system logs full of harmless warnings, running commands that print alarming-looking text, or pointing to normal files as “viruses”. Then comes the sales pitch: a one-off repair fee, a long-term support plan, or “security software”.
The damage can go beyond the fee. With access to your computer, a scammer may install malware, copy saved passwords, or open your online banking while you’re watching a fake progress bar.
The refund variation
A common follow-up is a “refund” call. Someone says you’re owed money for a canceled support plan or an overcharge. While connected to your computer, they claim to have refunded too much by mistake, sometimes by editing what you see on your banking page, and ask you to send the difference back by bank transfer, gift cards or cryptocurrency. There was never a refund.
Signs it’s a scam
- An unexpected call about your computer. Large software companies don’t monitor your device and phone you about problems.
- A pop-up with a phone number. Genuine operating system and antivirus warnings don’t ask you to call a number.
- A request for remote access from someone who contacted you.
- Payment by gift card, cryptocurrency or wire transfer. Legitimate companies don’t ask for these to fix a computer.
- Pressure and fear. Warnings that your files will be deleted, your bank account emptied, or that you’ll be in legal trouble if you hang up.
Never give remote access to your computer or phone to anyone who contacted you first, by call, pop-up, text or email.
What to do about a scam pop-up
- Don’t call the number on the screen and don’t click inside the warning.
- Close the browser tab or the whole browser. If it won’t close, use Task Manager on Windows or Force Quit on a Mac, or restart the device.
- Don’t restore the previous session when you reopen the browser, or the page will load again.
- Run a scan with the security software you already have, if it makes you feel more confident. Most of these pages are just web pages and don’t infect the device.
What to do about a tech support call
- Hang up. You don’t need to explain or argue.
- Don’t call back a number the caller gave you. If you’re worried, contact the company through its official website or the support section of your device’s settings.
- Look up the number on MobileTracking to see whether others have reported it, and add a report so others are warned.
If you already let them in or paid
- Disconnect the computer from the internet by turning off Wi-Fi or unplugging the network cable.
- Uninstall the remote access software they asked you to install.
- Scan the computer with reputable security software, or have it checked by a technician you choose yourself.
- Change your passwords from a different device, starting with email and banking, and turn on two-step verification.
- Contact your bank or card provider on its official number. Ask them to stop or dispute payments. If you paid with gift cards, contact the card issuer quickly and keep the cards and receipts.
- Watch for follow-up calls, including fake refund offers or people claiming they can recover your money for a fee. These are often run by the same scammers.
- Report it: ReportFraud.ftc.gov in the US, Action Fraud in the UK, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, Scamwatch in Australia, or Chakshu on the Sanchar Saathi portal in India.
Protecting others in your household
Tech support scams often target people who are less confident with computers. A simple house rule helps: nobody gets remote access unless you started the conversation with a company you chose. It also helps to show family members what a scam pop-up looks like and how to close the browser.
The same pressure tactics appear in bank impersonation calls. For more advice, see all our guides.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Read our editorial policy.