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Tech Support Scam
A scammer may pretend to be from a well-known tech company and claim your computer has a virus — then ask for money or remote access to "fix" it.
What Is a Tech Support Scam?
A tech support scam happens when someone contacts you — by phone, pop-up message, or email — claiming to be from a company like Microsoft, Apple, or your internet provider, saying your computer has a virus or security problem.
The scammer's real goal is to convince you to pay for fake repairs, buy unnecessary software, or give them remote access to your computer so they can steal money or personal information.
This scam can be difficult for anyone to recognize because the pop-ups and callers can look and sound very official, but there are clear signs to watch for.
What Might It Look or Sound Like?
Example — Not a Real Message
WARNING: Your computer has been infected with a virus. Call Microsoft Support immediately at [this number] to avoid losing your files.
Real companies do not send pop-up messages telling you to call a phone number to fix a virus.
Learn the Signs
Watch for these common warning signs of a tech support scam.
Unsolicited Pop-Up
A warning message suddenly appears on your screen saying your device is infected, even though you didn't ask for a scan.
Urgent Virus Warning
The message insists you must act immediately or you will lose your files or data.
Request for Remote Access
The caller asks you to install software that lets them control your computer remotely.
Unexpected Phone Call
Someone calls you out of the blue claiming to be tech support, even though you never contacted them.
Request for Payment
You're asked to pay by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency to fix the "problem."
Pressure to Stay on the Line
The caller discourages you from hanging up or checking with anyone else first.
What Should You Do?
1
Close the pop-up or hang up the phone. Do not click anything inside the warning message.
2
Never grant remote access to your computer to someone who contacted you unexpectedly.
3
Contact a trusted, local technician or the company's official support line yourself, using a number you already know is correct.
4
Do not pay for services or software you did not ask for.
5
If you already gave remote access or made a payment, tell someone you trust and visit the If You've Been Scammed page for next steps.
Remember This
Real companies do not call you unexpectedly to tell you your computer has a virus.
Why This Scam Works
This scam works by combining fear and urgency. A sudden warning about lost files or a compromised device can make anyone want to fix the problem right away — before they've had a chance to stop and check whether the message is real.
Related Scams
Tech support scams often overlap with these other tricks.
Fake Virus Pop-Up
A pop-up falsely claims your device is infected to trick you into calling a fake support number.
Remote Computer Access Scam
A caller convinces you to install remote access software, then uses it to steal money or personal information.
Fake Subscription Renewal
A fake renewal notice pressures you to call or click to "fix" a billing problem that doesn't exist.
Trusted Sources
This information is based on guidance from trusted organizations that investigate and educate the public about fraud, including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Last reviewed: September 2026