What is a Tech Support Scams?
How It Works — Step by Step
- Pop-up alert appears claiming your computer is infected — often includes a phone number to call
- Or: caller claims to be from Microsoft/Apple/your ISP detecting 'unusual activity'
- Victim is instructed to install remote access software (AnyDesk, TeamViewer)
- Scammer connects remotely and shows 'scary' error logs that are actually normal
- Demands payment for 'repair service' — often $200-$1,500
- May ask to open bank account to 'verify funds' — then transfers money out
- May install actual malware while connected for future exploitation
Top Countries (Victims)
Top Platforms Used
⚠️ Warning Signs
- Pop-up that can't be closed claiming your computer is infected with a phone number
- Unsolicited call from Microsoft, Apple, or your internet provider about a 'problem'
- Being asked to install remote access software to 'fix' your computer
- Request for payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency for tech support
- Being shown 'error logs' as evidence of infection (these are often normal Windows/Mac events)
✅ How to Protect Yourself
- Microsoft and Apple never call you proactively — hang up immediately
- Close pop-ups by force-quitting your browser, don't call the number shown
- Never install remote access software for someone who called you
- Never pay for tech support with gift cards
- If already connected: disconnect internet, run a real antivirus scan, change all passwords
Real Cases from Our Database
Geek Squad scam—how did they know? Five minutes after getting a legit email receipt for pickup of an item at Best Buy, I got a scam email invoice (from an obvious scam address) “confirming” my subscri...
[NL] You Have Been Hacked apple scam [awarnetudop.com] i accidentally clicked an ad, and got forwarded to a website that looked very much like the IPhone apple support website, and it had a text that ...
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”Hello, it appears your device has been hacked. In order to recover from this hack, click the link below and follow the instructions“ with a countdown of two minutes ...
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well, first of all the website url wasn’t anything apple related and when i searched it up i got zero resu...
Found a new type of computer scam which tells you to run terminal [removed]...
[US] Blocked all remote desktop domains on my parents' router after a Geek Squad scam scare. Here's the list. [removed]...
Unusual sign in activity microsoft scam I feel so stupid. I received this mail on the email I don't own the microsoft account and I thought maybe it's genuine and ending up clicking the link. and then...
[US] Is this a new Microsoft Scam about account security or is it real? Email is as follows: ...
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Microsoft account ...
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Security alert ...
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We think that someone else might have accessed the Microsoft account mygmail. When this happens, we require you to verify your identity with a security challenge and then change your password the next...
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If someone else has access to your account, they have your password and might be trying to access your personal information or send junk email. ...
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If yo...
📋 Where to Report Tech Support Scams
- FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov)
- FBI IC3 (ic3.gov)
- Microsoft (microsoft.com/reportascam)
- Local law enforcement