Tech Support Scam
Also known as: Microsoft scam, Apple support scam, computer virus scam, remote access scam
A popup or cold call claims your computer is infected and urges you to contact 'tech support.' The scammer takes remote control of your computer, runs fake scans showing nonexistent problems, and charges hundreds of dollars to 'fix' them — while sometimes installing real malware.
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How it works
Tech support scams exploit fear and technical confusion to extract money directly from victims' computers and bank accounts.
The trigger: Most tech support scams start in one of three ways:
1. Popup warning: A browser popup appears claiming your computer is infected, often accompanied by loud alarm sounds and warnings that you'll lose all your data if you close the window. It tells you to call a phone number for Microsoft, Apple, or a tech support service.
2. Cold call: The phone rings. The caller claims to be from Microsoft, Apple, or your internet service provider. They say they've detected a virus on your computer or unusual activity on your account.
3. Search result: You searched for tech support and clicked on a fake sponsored result.
The access request: The 'technician' asks you to install remote access software — AnyDesk, TeamViewer, ConnectWise, UltraViewer. Once connected, they can see everything on your screen and control your computer.
The fake scan: They open Windows Event Viewer or Command Prompt and show you 'warnings' and 'errors' that are actually normal system messages. They run what looks like a virus scan that reports dozens of infections.
The charge: They offer a 'lifetime support plan,' 'premium antivirus,' or 'one-time cleanup' for $299 to $999. You pay with a credit card, debit card, or wire transfer.
The real damage: Beyond the payment, the scammer may have installed actual malware, stolen saved passwords, accessed your banking, or planted persistent remote access for future attacks.
Warning signs
- ⚠Unsolicited popup warning about computer viruses
- ⚠Popup that plays a loud alarm and won't close
- ⚠Cold call claiming to be from Microsoft, Apple, or your ISP
- ⚠Request to install remote access software
- ⚠Running 'scans' that show alarming errors you've never seen before
- ⚠Pressure to buy a 'protection plan' immediately
- ⚠Demand for payment via gift cards or wire transfer
- ⚠A follow-up 'refund' call weeks later (the refund scam variant)
Who does this target?
Where does it happen?
What to do if you've encountered this
- 1.Stop all contact with the scammer immediately. Do not respond, do not send more money, do not try to "reason" with them.
- 2.Document everything — screenshots of conversations, phone numbers, email addresses, websites, and any transaction details.
- 3.If money was sent, contact your bank immediately. Wire and ACH reversals are measured in hours, not days.
- 4.Report the scam to the appropriate agencies:
Warning: After any scam, watch out for "recovery scammers" who promise to get your money back for an upfront fee. They are always a second scam. See our recovery scam warning guide.
Related scam patterns
Phishing
Scammers impersonate legitimate companies (your bank, Amazon, Microsoft, the IRS) via email to trick you into clicking a malicious link, entering login credentials on a fake site, or opening an infected attachment.
Vishing (Voice Phishing)
Phishing over the phone. Scammers call pretending to be from your bank, a government agency, or a tech company, using social engineering to trick you into revealing personal information, financial details, or transferring money.
Crypto Recovery Scam
After a victim loses money to a crypto scam, a 'recovery service' contacts them promising to trace and recover the stolen funds — for an upfront fee. These 'recovery agents' are scammers themselves, and the victim loses more money.
