⚠️ Fake Tech Support Scams: How They Trick You and What to Do About It

That scary pop-up on your screen saying your computer is infected? It might not be what it seems. Here's how tech support scams work and what you need to do immediately.

🧠 What Is a Tech Support Scam?

A tech support scam is when scammers pose as legitimate companies (like Microsoft, Apple, or Norton) to trick you into:

Granting remote access to your computer
Paying for fake repairs or antivirus
Sharing personal, credit card, or banking information

They often use fear, fake pop-ups, and urgent phone calls to get you to act fast — without thinking.

🔍 What It Looks Like in Real Life

🔺 Scenario 1: The Pop-Up Trap

You’re browsing the web when suddenly:

“⚠️ Your computer is infected! Call Microsoft Support immediately: 1-800-XXX-XXXX”

It locks your browser or freezes your screen. A robotic voice may even repeat the warning.

🔺 Scenario 2: The Fake Call

You get a phone call:

“Hi, I’m calling from Windows Support. We detected malware on your device.”

They sound professional and may even know your name. They guide you to install remote-access tools like TeamViewer, AnyDesk, or UltraViewer.

🎣 How They Hook You

Method	Description
Scary pop-ups	Falsely claim your system is infected
Cold calls	“Tech support” says they’ve found suspicious activity
Remote access request	Ask you to install tools so they can “fix” your machine
Fake diagnostics	Show you scary-looking logs that are harmless
Payment request	Ask for your credit card or bank info for unnecessary services

💳 What Do They Really Want?

Your money — via fake service charges or “subscription renewals”
Your identity — by accessing files, passwords, or saved credentials
Your trust — so you’ll let them in again or refer them to others

🧯 What to Do If You Encounter a Tech Support Scam

🚫 Step 1: Do NOT Call or Click

Never call numbers in a pop-up or strange browser alert
Don’t click on links or download “security tools” they offer

🧹 Step 2: Close the Browser Safely

On Windows:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → End Task on browser
Clear browser cache & history after restarting

On Mac:

Press Cmd + Option + Esc → Force Quit browser
Relaunch with Shift key held to avoid restoring the session

🧼 Step 3: Run a Full Security Scan

Use trusted antivirus software like:

Malwarebytes
Bitdefender
Norton 360
Windows Defender (built-in)

📞 Step 4: If You Let Them In...

If you gave remote access or payment:

Disconnect from the internet immediately
Uninstall remote software (TeamViewer, AnyDesk)
Contact your bank to report fraud
Change all your passwords
Enable 2FA on critical accounts

🧠 How to Recognize a Real Tech Support Interaction

Real Tech Support	Tech Support Scam
You contact them first	They contact you randomly
Comes from official website/email	Comes from pop-ups, fake links, unknown calls
Doesn’t ask for remote access fast	Insists on remote access immediately
Doesn’t demand urgent payment	Asks for credit card or wire transfer
Respects your right to disconnect	Gets aggressive or guilt-trips you

🧰 How to Stay Protected Long-Term

Use browser popup blockers (e.g. uBlock Origin, AdGuard)
Install a trusted antivirus
Educate older relatives — seniors are often targeted
Enable multi-factor authentication
Never trust unsolicited tech help

💬 True Story: How Jane Lost $1,200 in 15 Minutes

Jane, a retired teacher, saw a warning on her laptop that her “Windows license was expired.”
A man claiming to be from Microsoft walked her through installing AnyDesk.
He:

Locked her screen
Opened her online banking
Initiated a wire transfer

It was too late before she realized she’d been conned.

Fake Tech Support Scams: How They Trick You and What to Do About It