Scam category
Tech support scams
Tech support scams begin with a pop-up warning, a phone call, or a search result that connects you to a fake technician. The scammer convinces you that your computer is infected or compromised, then requests remote access to diagnose the problem. From there they install malware, steal files, or charge hundreds for fake repairs.
Category activity
“tech support scam”
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- An unsolicited call, pop-up, or email claims your computer has a virus or security breach that requires immediate action.
- The technician asks you to install remote access software like AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or UltraViewer.
- Payment is requested via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency instead of standard billing.
Common searches
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fake virus popup alert scam
Alarming browser popups claim your computer is infected and urge you to call a fake tech support number, leading to remote access exploitation and payment demands.
Force-close the browser using Task Manager or Activity Monitor without calling any number
Older adults
U.S.
cold call tech support scam
Scammers call victims unprompted, claiming to be from a major tech company, and warn of a fictitious security issue to gain remote access or extract payment.
Hang up immediately as legitimate tech companies never make unsolicited support calls
Older adults
U.S.
remote access exploitation tech support scam
Scammers convince victims to install remote access software under the guise of tech support, then use it to steal banking credentials, files, and personal data.
Never install remote access software at the request of someone who contacted you unsolicited
Older adults
Global
fake antivirus software scam
Scammers distribute fake antivirus programs through deceptive ads or downloads that either do nothing, display fake threats to demand payment, or contain actual malware.
Only download antivirus software from well-known, reputable vendors directly from their official websites
Non-technical users
Global
Microsoft impersonator tech support scam
Scammers impersonate Microsoft support via calls, emails, or popups, claiming your Windows license or account is compromised and demanding payment or remote access.
Microsoft never makes unsolicited tech support calls or sends unsolicited security warnings with phone numbers
Windows users
U.S.
Apple impersonator tech support scam
Scammers pose as Apple Support via calls or emails, claiming your Apple ID is compromised or your iCloud account has been breached, to steal credentials or money.
Apple never calls you unsolicited to ask for your password or verification codes
Apple users
U.S.
tech support refund overpayment scam
Scammers claim you are owed a refund for a tech support subscription, then pretend to accidentally deposit too much and ask you to return the difference.
Never allow remote access to process a refund as legitimate companies do not operate this way
Older adults
U.S.
screen-sharing bank access trap scam
Scammers use screen-sharing during fake tech support sessions to watch victims log into bank accounts, then take control to transfer money.
Never log into financial accounts during any screen-sharing session initiated by an incoming caller
Older adults
U.S.
fake blue screen of death scam
Malicious websites or software trigger a fake Windows blue screen error with a tech support phone number, tricking victims into calling scammers.
Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete or force-restart the computer as real blue screens never include phone numbers
Windows users
U.S.
fake subscription renewal notification scam
Scammers send fake emails or calls claiming your antivirus, software, or tech support subscription is about to auto-renew for a large amount, urging you to call to cancel.
Check your actual subscriptions through the software company's official website or your bank statements
Non-technical users
Global
fake AppleCare warranty scam
Scammers call or email claiming your AppleCare warranty is expiring, pressuring you to renew immediately through a fraudulent payment process.
Hang up on unsolicited calls about AppleCare — Apple does not make outbound warranty renewal calls.
iPhone users
U.S.
FaceTime screen recording scam
Scammers initiate a FaceTime call, trick the victim into sharing sensitive information on screen, then use the recording for blackmail or identity theft.
Never share your screen on FaceTime with anyone you did not initiate the call with.
Young adults
U.S.
fake Apple support call scam
Robocalls or live callers impersonate Apple Support, claiming your iCloud account has been breached and requesting remote access to your device or payment to fix the issue.
Hang up immediately — Apple never makes unsolicited phone calls about account problems.
Older adults
U.S.
Find My iPhone ransom scam
After compromising an Apple ID, scammers use Find My to remotely lock the victim's iPhone or Mac and display a ransom message demanding payment to unlock it.
Contact Apple Support directly at support.apple.com with proof of ownership to regain access to your account.
iPhone users
U.S.
Windows license expired popup scam
A fake browser popup claims your Windows license has expired and you must call a support number or pay immediately to reactivate, leading to tech support fraud.
Close the browser using Task Manager (Ctrl+Alt+Delete) if the popup cannot be dismissed normally.
Windows users
U.S.
fake Microsoft support call scam
A caller claiming to be from Microsoft says they have detected a virus or security problem on your computer and requests remote access to fix it for a fee.
Hang up immediately — Microsoft will never call you unsolicited about your computer.
Older adults
U.S.
Windows Defender alert popup scam
A fake browser popup mimics a Windows Defender alert claiming your computer is infected, urging you to call a fraudulent support number immediately.
Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and use Task Manager to force-close the browser — do not call the number.
Windows users
U.S.
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