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Tech Support Scams

7 minute read

How to recognize fake virus warnings and tech support calls—and what to do if you've given a scammer access to your computer.

Tech support scams prey on fear and confusion about technology. A scary pop-up claims your computer is infected, or a caller says they’ve “detected a virus.” The goal is always the same: get you to pay for fake services or give remote access to your computer so they can steal your information and money.

This guide will help you recognize these scams and show you exactly what to do if you encounter one.

How Tech Support Scams Work

There are two main approaches scammers use:

The Pop-Up Version

Step 1: You’re browsing the web when a frightening pop-up appears

Step 2: The pop-up claims your computer is infected with viruses or that hackers have access to your data

Step 3: It tells you to call a phone number immediately for help

Step 4: The “technician” who answers asks for remote access to your computer

Step 5: They pretend to find problems and charge hundreds of dollars to “fix” them

Step 6: While they have access, they may also steal your personal information, install real malware, or access your bank accounts

The Phone Call Version

Step 1: You receive a call from someone claiming to be from “Microsoft,” “Windows Support,” or your internet provider

Step 2: They claim they’ve detected a virus, suspicious activity, or security problem on your computer

Step 3: They ask for remote access to “help” you

Step 4: Same as above—fake problems, real charges, stolen information

What These Scams Look Like

The Scary Pop-Up

These pop-ups are designed to frighten you into calling. Common elements include:

⚠️ VIRUS ALERT!

Your computer is infected with 4 dangerous viruses! Your personal data and banking information are at risk!

DO NOT shut down or restart your computer!

Call Microsoft Support immediately: 1-888-XXX-XXXX

Failure to call will result in permanent data loss.

The pop-up might also:

  • Play loud alarm sounds — Like a siren or beeping
  • Flash red or display warnings — Creating panic
  • Go full-screen and seem impossible to close — Making you feel trapped
  • Display your IP address — To seem more “real” (your IP is public information)
  • Use Microsoft, Apple, or other legitimate company logos — To appear official
  • Freeze your browser — Making you think your computer is broken

The Phone Call

“Hello, this is the Windows Technical Support Department. Our security systems have detected suspicious activity coming from your computer. I need to help you remove a virus that has been installed.”

“Hi, I’m calling from Microsoft. We’ve received reports that your computer is sending out malicious traffic. This is a very serious security issue that we need to address right away.”

“This is Comcast/AT&T/Verizon technical support. There’s a problem with your internet connection that’s exposing you to hackers. I can help you fix it, but I need access to your computer.”

The caller sounds professional and may have a script designed to overcome your objections.

Red Flags to Recognize the Scam

The Pop-Up

🚩 Pop-up won’t close or goes full-screen

🚩 Alarm sounds playing — Real security software doesn’t do this

🚩 A phone number to call — Legitimate virus alerts don’t include phone numbers

🚩 Urgency and threats — “Call immediately,” “Don’t restart your computer”

🚩 Claims your computer is already infected — How would a website know that?

🚩 Uses official-looking logos — To seem like Microsoft, Apple, or another trusted company

The Phone Call

🚩 They called you — Microsoft, Apple, and your internet provider don’t call about viruses

🚩 They claim to have detected a problem remotely — They have no way of knowing what’s on your computer

🚩 They want remote access — Legitimate companies don’t ask for this unsolicited

🚩 They want payment via gift cards — No legitimate company does this

🚩 They’re creating urgency and pressure — “This must be fixed now or you’ll lose everything”

The Truth About Real Tech Support

Microsoft, Apple, Google, and your internet provider will NEVER:
  • Call you to tell you about viruses on your computer
  • Show pop-ups with phone numbers for you to call
  • Ask for remote access to your computer out of the blue
  • Ask for payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
  • Send unsolicited emails telling you to call a number

Real security software handles threats automatically. It doesn’t display pop-ups telling you to call phone numbers. If you have a real virus, your antivirus software will remove it or quarantine it—without asking you to call anyone.

What to Do: Pop-Up Scams

If a scary pop-up appears on your screen, here’s exactly what to do:

Step 1: Don’t Call the Number

That number goes to a scammer. There is no virus—the pop-up itself IS the scam.

Step 2: Don’t Click Anything on the Pop-Up

Don’t click “Scan Now,” “Fix This,” “OK,” or even “X” to close it. Some of these buttons may trigger more problems.

Step 3: Close the Browser Entirely

On Mac: Press Command + Q (hold both keys together)

On Windows: Press Alt + F4 (hold both keys together)

If the keyboard shortcuts don’t work:

On Mac:

  • Press Command + Option + Escape to open Force Quit
  • Select your browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox)
  • Click Force Quit

On Windows:

  • Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete
  • Click Task Manager
  • Find your browser, right-click, and select End Task

Step 4: Restart Your Computer (Optional)

This ensures everything is cleared. When you restart your browser, don’t click “Restore Previous Session.”

Step 5: Breathe — You’re Fine

The “virus” was never real. It was just a scary webpage. Once you close the browser, the threat is gone.

What to Do: Phone Call Scams

If someone calls claiming to be tech support:

The Simple Solution: Hang Up

You don’t owe the caller an explanation. Simply end the call.

Don’t try to “test” them, argue with them, or waste their time. Just hang up.

If You’re Worried About Your Computer

If the call made you concerned about your computer:

  • Don’t call them back
  • Run a scan with the antivirus software already on your computer (Windows Defender, or software you installed)
  • Take it to a local repair shop you trust if you want a professional opinion
  • Call your internet provider using the number on your bill if you want to verify there’s no issue

If You Already Gave Remote Access

This is serious but recoverable. Take these steps:

Immediate Actions

1. Disconnect from the internet immediately

  • Unplug your ethernet cable, or
  • Turn off WiFi (don’t just close your laptop)

This prevents the scammer from continuing to access your computer.

2. Don’t turn off the computer yet

  • A professional may be able to see what the scammer did

Get Professional Help

3. Take it to a trusted local repair shop

  • Explain what happened
  • Ask them to scan for malware and check what was accessed
  • They can remove any software the scammer installed

4. Consider a factory reset

  • This is the most thorough way to remove anything the scammer installed
  • Back up important files to an external drive first (have a professional help if unsure)

Protect Your Accounts

5. Change your passwords from a DIFFERENT device

  • Start with email (most important)
  • Then banking and financial accounts
  • Then other important accounts
  • Don’t log into anything on the potentially compromised computer until it’s been checked

6. Monitor your bank and credit card accounts

  • Watch for unauthorized transactions
  • Call your bank if you see anything suspicious
  • Consider a fraud alert on your credit

7. Watch for follow-up scams

  • Scammers often call back pretending to help with “what went wrong”
  • They may call pretending to be from your bank about “suspicious activity”
  • Be extra cautious about any calls in the coming weeks

Report It

8. File reports:

For complete recovery steps: I Think I Was Scammed →

If You Paid Them Money

If you already paid for the fake “tech support”:

Try to Get Your Money Back

Credit card: Call your credit card company immediately. Explain it was a scam. Request a chargeback.

Debit card: Contact your bank. Recovery is harder than with credit cards, but try.

Gift cards: Call the number on the back of the card. Explain what happened. If the funds haven’t been used, they might be able to freeze them (unlikely but possible).

Wire transfer: Contact the transfer service immediately. Ask if the transfer can be stopped (unlikely after it’s sent).

How to Protect Yourself Going Forward

Keep Your Computer Updated

Real security comes from:

  • Keeping Windows or macOS updated (accept updates when prompted)
  • Using the built-in security software (Windows Defender is good)
  • Being cautious about what websites you visit and what you download

Use a Pop-Up Blocker

Most modern browsers block pop-ups by default. Keep this enabled:

  • Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Site Settings → Pop-ups and redirects
  • Safari: Preferences → Websites → Pop-up Windows
  • Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Permissions → Block pop-up windows

Know Who to Call

If you need real tech support:

  • Apple: 1-800-275-2273 or support.apple.com
  • Microsoft: support.microsoft.com
  • Your local repair shop — Find a trusted one before you need them
  • Family member who knows tech — But verify they’re who they say they are if they call you

Quick Summary

✓ The pop-up IS the scam — There is no real virus

✓ Close the browser — Command+Q (Mac) or Alt+F4 (Windows)

✓ Never call phone numbers in pop-ups — Always a scam

✓ Microsoft/Apple/Google never call about viruses — Hang up

✓ Never give remote access to your computer to someone who called you

✓ If you gave access, disconnect and get professional help

✓ Payment via gift cards is always a scam