How Tech Support Scams Start
Tech support scams usually begin in one of three ways:
- A scary popup on your screen claiming your computer is infected with a virus and urging you to call a phone number immediately.
- An unsolicited phone call from someone claiming to be from a well known tech company, saying they have detected a problem with your computer.
- An email or text message warning you about suspicious activity on your account.
In every case, the goal is the same: to frighten you into giving them access to your computer or paying for a service you do not need.
What Scammers Want
Once they have your attention, tech support scammers typically try to:
- Get remote access to your computer by asking you to install software that lets them control your screen.
- Charge you for fake repairs. They may run fake "scans" that always find problems, then charge you to "fix" them.
- Steal personal information like passwords, banking details, or credit card numbers while they have access to your device.
How Real Tech Support Works
Legitimate tech companies do not operate this way. Here are the key differences:
- Real companies will never call you out of the blue to warn you about a virus or security problem.
- Genuine error messages never include a phone number to call.
- Real tech support will not ask for your password or payment information over the phone to fix a problem they contacted you about.
What to Do If You Are Contacted
If you encounter a suspicious tech support offer:
- Close the popup. Use your task manager if the browser will not close normally.
- Hang up the phone if someone calls claiming to be tech support.
- Never give remote access to someone who contacted you first.
- Contact the company directly using the phone number or website you find on your own, not the one they gave you.
Helping Others Stay Safe
Tech support scams often target people who are less familiar with technology. If you have family members or friends who might be vulnerable, share what these scams look like. A brief conversation could save them from a costly and stressful experience.
