What is a tech support scam?

A tech support scam is a type of fraud in which criminals pretend to be legitimate technical support representatives to convince people that their computer, smartphone, or online account has a serious problem. Their goal is to steal money, personal information, or gain unauthorized access to devices.

These scams occur worldwide and may target individuals, businesses, and organizations.

Common methods include:

• Unexpected phone calls: Scammers claim to be from a well-known technology company or internet provider and say your device has a virus or security issue.
• Pop-up warnings: Fake alerts appear on a computer or mobile device, claiming it is infected and instructing the user to call a support number.
• Emails and text messages: Fraudulent messages warn of security problems or account issues and urge immediate action.
• Search engine ads: Fake support websites advertise phone numbers that connect victims to scammers instead of legitimate support services.
• Social media messages: Criminals impersonate customer support accounts and direct users to fake help channels.

Once contact is established, scammers often:

• Ask to remotely access your device.
• Claim they have found viruses or hacking attempts, even when none exist.
• Pressure you into paying for unnecessary repairs, software, or subscriptions.
• Request payment using gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or other hard-to-reverse methods.
• Attempt to steal passwords, banking information, or personal data.
• Install malware or spyware during the remote session.

Common warning signs include:

• Unsolicited contact claiming your device has a problem.
• High-pressure tactics or demands for immediate payment.
• Requests for payment through unusual methods such as gift cards or cryptocurrency.
• Claims that your computer is sending errors or viruses without any evidence.
• Requests for passwords, one-time verification codes, or banking details.
• Pop-up messages that prevent you from closing your browser and urge you to call a phone number.

To protect yourself:

• Ignore unsolicited tech support calls, emails, and messages.
• Never give remote access to someone who contacted you unexpectedly.
• Contact a company’s official support channels if you believe there is a genuine issue.
• Keep your operating system, browser, and security software up to date.
• Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication where available.
• Be skeptical of urgent warnings that demand immediate action or payment.

If you believe you have been targeted, disconnect the device from the internet if remote access was granted, end communication with the scammer, run a reputable security scan, change important passwords from a trusted device, monitor your financial accounts, and report the incident to the relevant authorities or consumer protection agencies in your country.