Tech support scams target millions of people each year, with reported losses exceeding $900 million annually. Whether it's a scary pop-up, an unsolicited phone call, or an email about your computer, this guide helps you recognize and handle these scams.
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Microsoft, Apple, Google, and your internet provider will never call you out of the blue to tell you your computer has a problem. If you receive an unsolicited call claiming to be tech support, it's a scam. Hang up immediately.
If you genuinely need tech support, initiate the contact yourself using the phone number on the company's official website.
Real virus warnings come from your installed antivirus software, not from web browsers. A browser pop-up that says "Your computer is infected" with a phone number to call is always a scam. These pop-ups often freeze your browser to create panic.
Force-quit your browser (Cmd+Q on Mac, Alt+F4 on Windows) to close scary pop-ups. Don't click any buttons on the pop-up itself.
If someone calls and asks you to install TeamViewer, AnyDesk, or any remote access software, refuse. Once a scammer has remote access to your computer, they can install malware, access your bank accounts, steal files, and lock you out.
Scammers use legitimate Windows tools to show harmless system information as "proof" of infection. Event Viewer always shows warnings and errors — that's normal. The tree command in Command Prompt is just a file listing. None of these indicate a real problem.
Legitimate tech companies accept credit cards through normal payment channels. If a "technician" asks for payment via gift cards, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or asks you to go to a store to buy payment cards, it's absolutely a scam.