For as long as people have had computers, criminals have been running tech support scams. These scammers try to convince you that there’s a problem with your device so they can swoop in to help. Instead, they steal your money or your data.
In 2023, there were 37,560 complaints about tech support scams, costing consumers nearly $1 billion, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Report 2023. Tech support scams targeting older adults have been surging.
What Are Tech Support Scams?
There are different types of tech support scams.
You might receive a text or email warning that, for example, your device has a virus, or your security software has expired. The message — which may look like it’s from a trusted company like Norton or Microsoft — will share a number to call for help. When you do, “tech support” asks for remote access to your device to fix the problem. Once they have access, they pretend to update your software and charge you a big fee. Or they steal personal data like your bank account information.
Another scam involves installing malware on your laptop or desktop. The malware generates a pop-up message on your screen, warning that a virus has infected your device and urging you to call a hotline. When you call, “tech support” (actually a scammer) asks for remote access to your device. Then they steal your data or charge you a fee to remove a virus that never existed.
How to Spot a Tech Support Scam
You can protect yourself by looking out for these common signs of a tech support scam:
- A company calls to warn you about a problem with your laptop or desktop. Hang up. It’s a scammer — even if they claim to be from a company like Apple or Microsoft. Legitimate companies never call to warn you about a problem or offer tech support. If you want to be sure, visit the company’s website and call their customer service number.
- You get an urgent text or email. Scammers send messages like “Warning — Security Alert!” They’re hoping you’ll panic and accept their help. Be suspicious of any alarmist messages you receive.
- A pop-up window advises you to call tech support. If a window pops up on your screen with a warning and a phone number to call, don’t call it. Legitimate security warnings don’t direct you to make a phone call.
- Requests for remote access to your computer (sometimes). Remote tech support can be handy. A technician uses special software to temporarily view your screen and fix problems (after you click on a button to grant permission). But beware that scammers sometime pose as tech support. Give remote access only to companies you contacted, never to someone who contacted you.
- Someone asks you to download scanning software. Scammers will advise you to download (usually free) scanning software and convince you that the software found a virus or another problem. Then they’ll offer to “fix” the problem at a hefty charge. Scanning software can be helpful, but buy it directly from a company you trust.
- Someone offering tech support asks for unusual modes of payment. Scammers may ask for payment via a gift card, prepaid card, cash reload card or cryptocurrency, or by wiring money. Why? Because if you get wise to their scheme, it’s more difficult to reverse these types of payments.
What to Do if You’re a Victim
Getting swindled by a tech support scammer can be unsettling. But there are steps you can take to limit the damage.
- If you gave your login information to a tech support fraudster, change your password immediately. If you also used that same password for other websites or accounts, change those passwords too.
- If you gave a scammer remote access to your computer, update your security software. Then do a security scan of your device to check for malware. Your computer may already have scanning software installed. To check, go to your settings, then security settings. If you need help, contact the tech support offered by your computer’s manufacturer.
- If a scammer installed software on your computer, uninstall it. If you need help, contact your computer manufacturer’s tech support.
- If you paid a scammer with a debit or credit card, contact your bank or credit card company right away to see if you can stop the transaction or reverse the charges.
- If you paid a scammer with a gift card, reach out to the company that issued the card. If you explain what happened, they might refund your money.
You should also report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission.
This article was created in accordance with the Patelco editorial policy.
Feeling Anxious?
Tech support scammers try to play on your emotions. If a tech support company makes you feel anxious or fearful, it might be a scammer
