Is the Tech Support Scam real or a scam?

Q: Is the Tech Support Scam real or a scam?

This is a scam. Do not click any links or provide personal information.

Tech Support Scam: Is It a Scam?

Very High Prevalence Type: Voice Phishing Impersonates: Microsoft, Apple, Norton, McAfee

Yes, this is a scam. Do not click any links or provide personal information.

Tech support scams cost Americans over $1 billion annually. Scammers call claiming your computer has a virus, or display fake pop-ups warning of infection, then charge for unnecessary "repairs" or steal your data.

How This Scam Works

Tech support scams work in several ways:

1. **Cold call approach** - Scammers call claiming to be from Microsoft/Apple, saying they've detected a virus on your computer.

2. **Pop-up approach** - A fake warning appears on your screen claiming your computer is infected with instructions to call a number.

3. **Search result approach** - Fake tech support numbers appear in search results.

4. **Once connected**, they ask you to give them remote access to your computer.

5. **They show you fake "evidence"** of viruses (usually normal system files).

6. **They demand payment** for fake repairs, often hundreds of dollars.

7. **They may install malware** or steal passwords while they have access.

Red Flags to Watch For

Unsolicited calls - Microsoft and Apple don't call you about viruses
Pop-ups with phone numbers - Legitimate warnings don't include phone numbers
Requests for remote access
Pressure to act immediately
Payment via gift cards or wire transfer
Requests for passwords
Claims to be "Microsoft Certified" from unknown companies

Example Scam Messages

VIRUS ALERT! Your computer has been infected with malware. Call Microsoft Support immediately at 1-888-XXX-XXXX. Do not turn off your computer! This is Microsoft Technical Support. We've detected suspicious activity from your IP address. Your computer may be compromised. Your McAfee subscription has expired and your computer is at risk. Call now to renew and remove 47 detected threats: 1-800-XXX-XXXX

What to Do If You Received This

Hang up on unsolicited calls
Close pop-ups using Task Manager if needed (Ctrl+Alt+Del)
Never call numbers from pop-up warnings
Never give remote access to callers
Use legitimate antivirus software to scan if concerned

What to Do If You Fell For It

Disconnect from the internet immediately
Run legitimate antivirus software
Change all passwords from a different device
Contact your bank if you paid
Monitor financial accounts
Consider professional malware removal
Enable two-factor authentication everywhere

How to Report This Scam

FTC - reportfraud.ftc.gov
Microsoft - microsoft.com/reportascam
Apple - [email protected]
FBI IC3 - ic3.gov

Last updated: January 13, 2026