● HIGH RISK
Tech Support Scam
A pop-up, email, or call claims your computer is infected and that Microsoft or Apple needs to fix it — for a fee, and with remote access to your machine. None of it is real. Microsoft and Apple do not cold-call you about viruses, and the only thing that gets compromised is whatever you let them touch.
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
01
How 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
02
Warning 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
03
Real-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 A week later, $3,000 was withdrawn from my bank account — they had installed software that captured my passwords."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
04
How 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
05
What 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
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tech Support Scam?
A pop-up, email, or call claims your computer is infected and that Microsoft or Apple needs to fix it — for a fee, and with remote access to your machine. None of it is real. Microsoft and Apple do not cold-call you about viruses, and the only thing that gets compromised is whatever you let them touch.
What are the warning signs of Tech Support Scam?
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).
How do I protect myself from Tech Support Scam?
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.
What should I do if I'm a victim of Tech Support Scam?
Disconnect from the internet immediately if they still have access. Run a legitimate antivirus scan (Windows Defender, Malwarebytes). Change all passwords from a different, clean device. Check for unauthorized software and remove it.
How serious is this threat?
We rate this high risk. Reported losses: $924 million (FTC 2024). Most exposed: 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, while wire transfers and cryptocurrency are rarely recoverable. Report immediately to your bank and file complaints with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and the FBI IC3 at ic3.gov.
How do I report Tech Support Scam?
Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. For internet crimes, file with the FBI IC3 at ic3.gov. For identity theft, visit identitytheft.gov. You should also contact your local police and your bank.
Sources & References
Related Scams
Geek Squad / Best Buy Scam
An email says your Geek Squad membership just auto-renewed for a few hundred dollars and gives you a number to call for a "refund." There is no subscription and no charge. Calling hands you to a scammer who will walk you into giving up bank access to "reverse" it.
Government Impersonation Scam
Someone claims to be the IRS, Social Security, Medicare, or the police and demands immediate payment or your personal details — or else. Real agencies do not open with threats, do not take gift cards or crypto, and do not arrest you over the phone. The pressure is the product.
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