HIGH RISK
Tech Support Scam
Scammers pose as Microsoft, Apple, or other tech companies to convince you your computer has a virus and charge for fake repairs.
Losses: $924 million (FTC 2024)
Targets: Adults 60+, less tech-savvy users
Updated: 2026-01-06
Also known as: Microsoft Scam • Computer Virus Scam • Remote Access Scam
1How It Works
Tech support scams trick you into believing your computer has a virus or security problem. Scammers then charge for fake "repairs" or gain remote access to steal information.
**Method 1: Pop-Up Warnings**
While browsing, a scary pop-up appears: "VIRUS DETECTED! Your computer is infected! Call Microsoft Support immediately: 1-800-XXX-XXXX." The pop-up may freeze your browser or play loud alarm sounds.
**Method 2: Cold Calls**
You receive an unexpected call from "Microsoft" or "Windows Technical Support." They claim they've detected a virus on your computer and need to fix it remotely.
**Method 3: Search Result Poisoning**
You search for tech help (e.g., "printer not working") and call a number from what looks like an official support site but is actually fake.
**The Hook:**
Once connected, the "technician" asks you to grant remote access using legitimate tools (TeamViewer, AnyDesk, LogMeIn). They then:
• Show you normal Windows logs and claim they're "critical errors"
• Install actual malware while pretending to remove fake viruses
• Access your banking and email accounts
• Demand payment ($200-$1,000+) for their "services"
• Sign you up for recurring "protection plans"
How Scammers Make Contact
Pop-up warningsUnsolicited phone callsFake search resultsEmail alerts
2Warning Signs & Red Flags
- Unsolicited pop-up or call claiming your computer has a virus
- Urgency and fear tactics — "Act now or your data will be deleted!"
- Requests for remote access to your computer
- Asks for payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
- Claims to be from Microsoft, Apple, or your ISP (they don't make unsolicited calls)
- Pressure to stay on the phone and not hang up
- Phone number doesn't match official company website
3Real-World Example
"A pop-up froze my computer saying I had been hacked. I called the number and a nice man 'fixed' it for $400. A week later, $3,000 was withdrawn from my bank account — they had installed software that captured my passwords."
— FTC Consumer Sentinel complaint
4How to Protect Yourself
- Never call numbers from pop-ups — close the browser (Ctrl+Alt+Delete if frozen)
- Microsoft, Apple, and other tech companies will never cold-call you
- Never give remote access to anyone who contacts you unsolicited
- Get support only from official sources — go directly to microsoft.com or apple.com
- Keep your software updated — real protection against actual threats
- Use a password manager — prevents keyloggers from capturing passwords
- If in doubt, hang up and call the company directly using their official number
5What To Do If You're a Victim
- 1Disconnect from the internet immediately if they still have access
- 2Run a legitimate antivirus scan (Windows Defender, Malwarebytes)
- 3Change all passwords from a different, clean device
- 4Check for unauthorized software and remove it
- 5Contact your bank — dispute charges, monitor for fraud
- 6Report to FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- 7Report fake Microsoft scams to microsoft.com/reportascam
Report This Scam
?Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tech Support Scam?
Scammers pose as Microsoft, Apple, or other tech companies to convince you your computer has a virus and charge for fake repairs. Tech support scams trick you into believing your computer has a virus or security problem. Scammers then charge for fake "repairs" or gain remote access to steal information.
**Method 1: Pop-Up Warnings**
While browsing, a scary pop-up appears: "VIRUS DETECTED! Your computer is infected! Call Micro...
How common is this type of scam?
Tech Support Scam is classified as a high risk threat. Reported losses: $924 million (FTC 2024). This primarily targets Adults 60+, less tech-savvy users.
Can I get my money back?
Recovery depends on how you paid. Credit card payments may be reversed through chargebacks. Wire transfers and cryptocurrency are rarely recoverable. Report immediately to your bank and file complaints with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and FBI IC3 at ic3.gov.
How do I report this?
Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. For internet crimes, file with FBI IC3 at ic3.gov. For identity theft, visit identitytheft.gov. Also contact your local police and your bank.
Sources & References
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Government Impersonation Scam
Scammers pose as IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare, or law enforcement to demand immediate payment or personal information.
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