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Tech Support Scams

A scary pop-up says your computer is infected, but the only real danger is the phone number on the screen.

A loud pop-up appears on your screen, sometimes with alarm sounds, saying your computer is infected and you must call "Microsoft" or "Apple" right away. Or someone calls you claiming to be tech support. If you call, they ask to connect to your computer remotely, "find" fake problems, and charge hundreds of dollars to fix nothing. In the refund version, they claim they owe you money, "accidentally" refund too much, and pressure you to send back the difference, often in gift cards. Real tech companies never contact you this way.

Watch: how this scam works

Published by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission · 3:06 Open the original

Warning signs

  • A pop-up with a phone number tells you to call immediately. Real virus warnings never include a phone number.
  • Someone calls out of the blue claiming to be Microsoft, Apple, or your internet company, saying they detected a problem.
  • They ask to install remote-access software like AnyDesk or TeamViewer so they can "fix" your computer.
  • They ask for payment in gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
  • They say you are owed a refund, then claim they sent too much and you must return the difference.
  • While connected, they ask you to log in to your bank "to verify the refund."

How to protect yourself

  • If a scary pop-up appears, do not call the number. Close the browser. If it will not close, restart the computer. Nothing bad will happen.
  • Never let a stranger connect to your computer remotely, no matter who they claim to be.
  • Microsoft, Apple, and other tech companies do not call you about viruses. Ever.
  • Never log in to your bank while someone is connected to your computer or on the phone directing you.
  • If you need computer help, ask a family member or take it to a store you chose yourself.

If it happened to you

  1. If they connected to your computer, disconnect it from the internet, then have a trusted person or repair shop remove the remote-access software.
  2. Call your bank right away if you paid or logged in to your bank during the call. Ask to reverse charges and watch for new activity.
  3. Change your passwords from a different device (your phone or another computer), starting with email and banking.
  4. Do not blame yourself. These pop-ups are engineered to frighten anyone. Report it so others get warned.

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