How to Recognize Fake Tech Support Scams

You’re browsing the internet when suddenly a scary warning fills your screen: “YOUR COMPUTER IS INFECTED! Call Microsoft Support immediately at 1-800-XXX-XXXX!” Your heart races. It looks official. It even has the Microsoft logo.

Take a deep breath. It’s a scam. And it’s one of the most common tricks online.

How the Scam Works

Tech support scams follow a simple pattern: scare you, then “rescue” you — for a price.

A fake virus warning pop-up designed to frighten users into calling a scam phone number

The scam usually starts in one of three ways:

A scary pop-up appears while you’re browsing, warning that your computer is infected
A phone call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft, Apple, or your internet provider
An email saying your account has been compromised and you need to call for help

Microsoft, Apple, and Google will NEVER call you about computer problems. They will NEVER show pop-ups asking you to call a phone number. If you see this, it’s always a scam.

What Happens If You Call

If you call the number, a friendly-sounding “technician” will ask you to install remote access software so they can “fix” your computer. Once they’re in, they might:

Pretend to find viruses that don’t exist
Install actual malware on your computer
Steal your passwords and financial information
Charge you hundreds of dollars for “repairs” you never needed

A person receiving a scam call pretending to be tech support

How to Spot the Scam Every Time

Here’s the golden rule: real tech companies don’t contact you out of the blue about problems. Ever. If someone contacts you first, it’s a scam.

Watch for these red flags:

Urgency and fear: “Act NOW or your files will be deleted!”
Requests for remote access: No legitimate company asks to remotely control your computer via a cold call
Payment by gift cards or wire transfer: Real companies never ask for gift cards as payment
A phone number in a pop-up warning: Real security warnings from your operating system never include phone numbers

What to Do Right Now

If you see a scary pop-up: Don’t click anything on it. Press Ctrl+W (Windows) or Cmd+W (Mac) to close the browser tab. If that doesn’t work, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete (Windows) or force-quit your browser.

If someone calls you: Hang up. Don’t argue or engage. Just hang up.

If you already gave access: Disconnect from the internet immediately, run a virus scan with your built-in antivirus (Windows Security or Mac’s built-in protection), and change your passwords from a different device.

A person looking confused at their computer after seeing a scam pop-up

Remember

The fact that you’re reading this means you’re already ahead of the game. Most tech support scams work because people don’t know they exist. Now you do — and you can warn your friends and family too.

If you need real tech help, always go directly to the company’s official website or visit a local repair shop you trust.