Brand and service impersonation · Also called fake virus warning, Microsoft support scam, Apple support scam, remote access scam

Tech support pop-up scam

A tech support scam is a fake warning, call, or search ad claiming your computer is infected or hacked, with a number to call for help. The fake technician asks for remote access, invents problems, and charges for useless fixes, or uses the access to steal money and personal details.

How it works

1. A pop-up that looks like a system alert locks the screen, or a caller or search ad claims to be support from a well-known company.
2. The victim calls the number and is persuaded to install remote access software so the technician can take control of the device.
3. The technician shows fake evidence of viruses or hacking and pushes an expensive repair, security plan, or subscription.
4. Payment is taken by card, gift card, wire, or crypto, and the access may be used to reach online banking or install more malicious software.

Red flags

• A pop-up warning says your device is infected and gives a phone number to call.
• Someone calls or texts you out of the blue to say there is a problem with your computer.
• The technician asks you to install remote access software or to let them control your screen.
• You are asked to pay by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or payment app.

If you are targeted

• Stop contact: close the browser or restart the device, hang up, and do not pay.
• If you gave remote access, disconnect from the internet, remove the remote access software, and run a scan with trusted security software.
• Change passwords for email, banking, and any account you signed in to during the session, then call your bank or card issuer.
• Report it. Our Report a scam page lists where to report in your country, such as ic3.gov and ReportFraud.ftc.gov in the US.

Where to report, by country

Prevention

For individuals

• Know that the FTC says real security pop-ups never ask you to call a phone number, and legitimate tech companies will not contact you out of the blue about a problem.
• Never give remote access to anyone who contacted you first.
• If you need help, go to the company's official website yourself rather than a search ad or a number in a pop-up.

For organisations

• Search engines and ad platforms can remove ads and listings that pose as tech support for well-known brands.
• Banks can watch for large transfers or gift card purchases by customers who are on the phone with someone.

By the numbers

Figures are for the reporting category this scam falls under, not this scam alone.

Real cases

• 2025-12 · IN · Alleged · $48.7M estimate

  Operation Chakra: CBI and FBI raid a Noida scam call centre, 2025

Delivered through: Malvertising and SEO poisoning, Voice phishing (vishing)

How official datasets classify it

FBI IC3

Tech/Customer Support

FTC

Tech Support Scams

UK Finance

Impersonation: other

Scamwatch

Account or identity takeover scams

Questions

Is a pop-up saying my computer is infected real?

If it tells you to call a number, it is a scam. The FTC says real security warnings never ask you to call a phone number. Close the browser, or restart the device if it will not close.

I let a scammer into my computer. What should I do?

Disconnect from the internet, remove the remote access software, and scan the device with trusted security software. Then change your passwords and tell your bank.

Related scams

• Phantom hacker scam
• Fake refund and over-refund scam
• Account takeover through fake bank support

Read more

• Antivirus and anti-malware solutions compared
• Social engineering attacks: prevention and best practices