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
Father in law called the number I'm trying to help my father in law. Here's the situation as I understand it. He clicked on a message on Facebook, from an unknown person, and then his computer froze. ...
[UK]Call and email from Google I got a call from Google last week to say that a suspicious email address had been added to my account. I'm pretty sure Google would never call me. But I was curious, s...
[UK] Something odd happened in Meta Ad Manager Ok so Ad Manager on iOS is rubbish so I used the Meta AI to help fix an issue. It asked me if I wanted to send a technical fault ticket. I said it might ...
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 ...
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: Microsoft account Security alert We think that someone else might have accessed the Microsoft account mygm...
(US) I was almost scammed in QuickAssist today. Still a bit paranoid. Tech support scam. I called "Norton anti virus" for support and I can't believe I didn't verify the number I found on google. It w...
Geek squad scam Here’s the number
[US] Connection between legitimate HP tech support and tech support scams? My 86-year old neighbor called me a few days ago and told me she fell for a tech support scam, and asked if I could clean any...
TurboTax installation/tech support scam is still at it \*\*The history\*\*: while trying to find proof for my parents that they were indeed falling falling for a scam, I found a post by u/nicodemu5 de...
US Microsoft scam/minecraft “2v2” Method So, my Microsoft account has been hacked. I was playing on a Minecraft server when I was invited to a 2v2 event. Being the naive player I was, I gave them my v...
📋 Where to Report Tech Support Scams
- FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov)
- FBI IC3 (ic3.gov)
- Microsoft (microsoft.com/reportascam)
- Local law enforcement