Tech support scams try to frighten people into paying for unnecessary help, sharing personal information or allowing a stranger to control their computer. The scam may arrive as a browser pop-up, an unexpected phone call, an email or a message that claims your device is infected.
Common warning signs
- A sudden alarming pop-up: a page claims your files are locked or your computer is infected and tells you to call a phone number.
- An unsolicited call: someone claims to work for Microsoft, your internet provider or a security company and says they detected a problem.
- Pressure to act immediately: the caller insists you must pay now, keep the call secret or ignore other advice.
- Requests for remote access: the person asks you to install remote-control software or share a one-time code.
- Unusual payment requests: gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers or other hard-to-reverse payment methods are strong warning signs.
What to do if a pop-up appears
- Do not call the number displayed in the pop-up or click its links.
- Close the browser tab or window. If it will not close, you can use Task Manager to end the browser, knowing that unsaved browser work may be lost.
- Open Windows Security from the Start menu and run a scan if you are concerned.
- Get help by navigating to the official support website yourself, rather than using contact details in the alert.
Microsoft explains how to recognize and avoid avoiding and reporting technical support scams and recommends being cautious about unexpected support requests. A legitimate company should not need you to trust a random pop-up or unsolicited caller.
If you already gave someone access
- Disconnect the computer from the internet if you believe someone still has remote control.
- From a different trusted device, change passwords for important accounts, starting with email and financial accounts, and enable multifactor authentication where available.
- Contact your bank or card issuer promptly if you paid or shared financial information.
- Uninstall remote-access software only if you can identify it confidently, then run a security scan. If the device may still be compromised, seek trusted professional help.
- Save relevant receipts, messages and contact details for reporting. In the United States, report suspected scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
How to get real technical help
Start from the official website of the device maker, software publisher or service provider. Do not rely on sponsored search results without checking the destination carefully. Never share your password or verification code with someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
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Remember: You can hang up, close the page and ask someone you trust before taking action. A real support issue can wait long enough for you to verify who you are speaking with.
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