Tech Support Scams

🚨 Tech Support Scams: How to Spot and Stop Them

They start with a pop-up warning that your computer’s infected. Or a call claiming to be from “Microsoft,” “Apple,” or your “Internet provider.” The goal? To scare you into giving a stranger remote access to your device—or your credit card.

Tech support scams have exploded in recent years, costing Americans hundreds of millions annually. They thrive on urgency, fear, and confusion—but once you know the signs, you can shut them down fast.

🕵️‍♀️ The Red Flags

1. The “urgent alert.”
Pop-ups that say “Your computer is infected—call this number immediately!” are never real. Legitimate companies don’t display phone numbers for tech support this way.

2. The fake helper.
Scammers pose as technicians from well-known brands. They might “find” fake viruses and ask to connect remotely—often using tools like AnyDesk or TeamViewer—to “fix” your system.

3. The payment request.
They’ll ask for a “support fee” or request payment in gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer. Once you pay, they may vanish—or worse, install malware to steal more.

🧠 How to Protect Yourself

1. Don’t trust unsolicited contact.
If someone calls, texts, or emails about a problem you didn’t report—hang up or delete.

2. Never give remote access unless you initiated the support request.
If you need help, go directly to the official website of your device or software maker and contact them there.

3. Keep software up to date.
Updates often include patches that close the security holes scammers exploit.

4. Educate friends and family.
Older adults are frequent targets—remind them never to call numbers from pop-ups or share credit card info over the phone.

🧩 If You’ve Been Targeted

1. Disconnect your device from the internet.

2. Contact your bank or credit card company immediately if you paid.

3. Change your passwords, especially for online banking or email.

4. Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

💡 The Bottom Line

Real tech support doesn’t cold-call, demand immediate payment, or show up in flashing pop-ups. If you take a breath before you click, call, or pay—you’ve already beaten most scammers.