Tech support scams are commonly operated from call centers overseas. Some use pop-up ads on legitimate websites to trigger the initial contact.
A pop-up or phone call warns your computer is compromised — it's a trap.
Tech support scams exploit fear and unfamiliarity with technology. A victim sees a frightening pop-up warning on their computer — or receives a phone call from 'Microsoft' or 'Apple' — claiming their computer is infected, hacked, or compromised. The scammer poses as a technician, gains remote access to the computer, and then either charges for fake repairs or directly steals from financial accounts.
How It Works
1
The victim encounters a pop-up on their computer that claims a virus was detected, often with flashing warnings and an alarm sound. A phone number is prominently displayed.
2
Alternatively, the scammer calls directly, claiming to be from Microsoft, Apple, Geek Squad, or the victim's internet provider.
3
The 'technician' asks the victim to install remote access software (AnyDesk, TeamViewer, etc.) so they can 'fix' the problem.
4
Once connected, they may show fake 'evidence' of viruses — like normal system logs presented as threats.
5
They charge hundreds or thousands for fake repairs, software, or 'protection plans.'
6
In more aggressive variants, the scammer accesses the victim's bank accounts while controlling the screen, or installs malware for long-term access.
7
Some scammers call back months later claiming the 'subscription' is renewing and that they need to process a 'refund' — which is actually another theft.
Tell-Tale Signs
⚠
A pop-up appears on your computer with a phone number to call — legitimate security software does not work this way.
⚠
Someone calls claiming to be from Microsoft or Apple about a problem with your computer — these companies do not make unsolicited calls.
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You're asked to install software that gives someone remote access to your computer.
⚠
The 'technician' asks for payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
⚠
You feel rushed or panicked by the warnings on screen.
Preventing tech support scams.
Know that Microsoft, Apple, and other companies will never call you unsolicited.
These companies do not monitor your computer and will never call to warn you about a virus. Any such call is a scam.
If you see a scary pop-up, close it — don't call the number.
Use Ctrl+W or Cmd+W to close the browser tab, or force-quit the browser. If your computer seems frozen, restart it. The pop-up itself is harmless.
Never give remote access to someone who contacted you.
Only grant remote access to your computer to a technician you contacted through an established, verified company.
Install and maintain legitimate antivirus software.
Use reputable security software like Windows Defender (built into Windows), Malwarebytes, or Norton. Keep it updated.
Set up the conversation with your family.
Tell older family members: 'If you ever see a scary message on your computer or get a call about it, call me before doing anything else.'
Catching a tech support scam in progress.
Warning Signals
🔍
Someone you didn't contact is remotely connected to your computer.
🔍
You've been told your computer has serious problems and you need to pay for repairs.
🔍
You're being asked to buy gift cards or send money to fix a computer issue.
🔍
The 'technician' is asking you to log into your bank account while they watch.
🔍
You've been on the phone for a long time with someone who keeps finding more 'problems.'
What To Do Right Now
→
Disconnect from the internet immediately — unplug the ethernet cable or turn off Wi-Fi.
→
If someone has remote access, shut down your computer by holding the power button.
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Do not call the number back.
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If you logged into financial accounts during the session, call your bank immediately from a different phone.
→
Have your computer examined by a trusted local technician before using it again — malware may have been installed.
Recovery after a tech support scam.
Financial Recovery
→
Contact your bank immediately if any financial accounts were accessed during the remote session.
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Change passwords for all financial accounts, email, and other sensitive services — do this from a different device.
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If you paid with gift cards, contact the issuing companies.
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Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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Report to the FBI's IC3 at ic3.gov.
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Report fake Microsoft claims to microsoft.com/reportascam.
Emotional Recovery
Tech support scams target people at a moment of vulnerability — when they think their computer is broken and they need help. This is a natural human response, not a weakness.
Contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311 for support.
Consider having a trusted family member or local technician help you secure your computer going forward.
From the Archive
3,332 articles about tech support scam
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▶ VIDEO
WENY TV NEWS
· 2024-04-25
This is an educational interview featuring Sheila Brewer-Montero, a scams prevention coordinator from Lifespan of Greater Rochester, discussing fraud schemes targeting older adults. The conversation introduces the top scams affecting seniors in the Southern Tier area, with government impersonator scams (Social Security Administration and IRS) identified as a primary threat, though the full details of prevention strategies and other scam types are cut off in the provided transcript.
▶ VIDEO
wgaltv
· 2024-05-05
Tech support fraud is the most commonly reported scam targeting older Americans, where scammers impersonate tech support to gain access to sensitive information, though investment scams result in the greatest financial losses (over $50 million reported annually). In Pennsylvania specifically, common scams include tech support fraud, personal data breaches, and delivery scams. To protect yourself, avoid unsolicited contacts, never download attachments from unknown sources, refuse to share personal information or money with unverified people, and resist pressure to act quickly, as scammers use urgency to manipulate victims.
▶ VIDEO
CBS Miami
· 2024-05-05
Florida ranks second-highest in the nation for elderly fraud, with adults over 60 reporting nearly $3.5 billion in losses nationally and approximately $300 million in Florida losses, according to FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center data. Tech support scams led fraud cases in 2023, with scammers increasingly using artificial intelligence to disguise their identities. Law enforcement advises seniors not to answer calls from unknown numbers and to be aware that legitimate authorities will not call ahead to warn of warrants or missed jury duty.
▶ VIDEO
10 Tampa Bay News
· 2024-05-06
According to an FBI report, Florida seniors over age 60 lost more than $290 million to fraud in 2023, ranking the state second worst in the nation, with scams targeting this age group increasing 11% from 2022 and averaging nearly $34,000 per victim. The most common fraud schemes include investment scams, fake tech support, online romance scams, and law enforcement impersonation schemes, with many cases going unreported due to victim shame.
▶ VIDEO
wgaltv
· 2024-05-15
FBI reports on elder fraud increased 14% last year with actual losses rising 11% to $3.4 billion, with tech support scams being the number one threat targeting seniors. In this scheme, scammers send fake emails claiming computer protection charges (such as $549) and gain remote access to victims' computers and bank accounts when they call seeking refunds. Key protective measures include resisting pressure to act quickly, avoiding unsolicited communications and requests for gift cards or wire information, not opening unknown email attachments, and having open conversations with elderly family members about their online and phone interactions.
▶ VIDEO
News4JAX The Local Station
· 2024-05-17
In 2022, older Americans lost over $1.6 billion to fraud, with investment impersonation and tech scams being the most common schemes. The FTC recommends that family members help victims recover funds by contacting banks/credit card companies to reverse fraudulent charges, contacting gift card issuers, and securing compromised accounts by changing passwords. To prevent future victimization, family members should consider helping install password managers, monitor for identity theft, and prepare loved ones in advance about common scams.
▶ VIDEO
FOX59 News
· 2024-05-24
Elder fraud scams targeting seniors in Indiana have increased in sophistication, with over 1,100 victims age 60 and older reporting approximately $26 million in losses last year. Scammers are leveraging evolving technology—including AI-generated voices and deepfakes—alongside traditional techniques to make frauds more convincing, with common red flags including artificial urgency and unsolicited requests for personal information like Social Security numbers or bank account details. The FBI Indianapolis and Citizens Academy Alumni Association are hosting a free workshop on June 10th at Westfield High School to educate the public on recognizing and preventing these scams.
▶ VIDEO
First Alert 6
· 2024-05-24
A Nebraska eighth grader partnered with the Better Business Bureau to raise awareness about senior scams after his grandmother fell victim to fraud. The student wrote an essay on the topic and created prevention flyers, which he distributed to local senior centers, inspiring a collaboration aimed at preventing others from experiencing similar scams.
▶ VIDEO
KTSM 9 NEWS
· 2024-06-17
The FBI El Paso office reports a double-digit increase in elder fraud cases, with the most common schemes involving tech support scams, romantic/confidence scams, investment fraud, and government impersonation. The agency recommends elders verify unknown contacts through independent online research, be wary of unsolicited phone calls and mailings, and never share personally identifiable information.
▶ VIDEO
FOX 2 St. Louis
· 2024-06-20
This educational piece from the Better Business Bureau provides prevention strategies for older adults and caregivers to protect against scams. Key recommendations include verifying requests with trusted contacts before sharing personal information, never voluntarily providing Social Security or Medicare numbers to unsolicited callers, avoiding clicking suspicious links, and being cautious of urgent language designed to pressure quick decisions. Caregivers should watch for warning signs such as increased junk mail, secretive behavior, unexpected account charges, or sudden financial difficulties, while also helping reduce solicitations by registering on do-not-call and do-not-mail registries and screening incoming calls.