How to Spot a Tech Support Scam Before It Costs You

Tech support scams are among the most common traps targeting seniors today — and they can fool anyone, regardless of how smart or tech-savvy you are. By learning how these schemes work, you can spot them quickly, shut them down, and protect yourself before any damage is done.

How a Tech Support Scam Unfolds

These schemes generally start in one of two ways, designed to catch you off guard and trigger panic.

1. The Scary Popup: While browsing the internet, your screen suddenly freezes, several alarms might sound, and a flashing red window pops up. It will claim that your computer has been infected with a dangerous virus and that you must call a local toll-free number immediately to save your files.
2. The Unsolicited Phone Call: Your telephone rings, and the caller claims to be a security agent from Apple, Microsoft, or your internet service provider. They will tell you that they noticed highly suspicious activity coming from your computer and need to log in to fix it immediately.

If you call the number or follow their instructions, the caller will ask you to download a special "remote access" program. Once they have control of your screen, they can install real viruses, steal your bank's passwords, or charge you hundreds of dollars in credit card fees for completely fake repairs.

Critical Security Facts to Keep in Mind

To protect yourself and your family, print out these three absolute rules and pin them next to your computer desk:

• Legitimate companies never call unsolicited: Microsoft, Apple, Google, and your internet carrier will never call you out of the blue to warn you of a virus, and they never monitor individual home screens for security issues.
• Real alerts do not contain phone numbers: If you receive a legitimate security alert from your computer’s built-in antivirus software, it will never feature a phone number asking you to call.
• Safe companies never demand odd payments: No legitimate business, utility company, or government agency will ever demand that you pay for services using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. If someone asks for these types of payment, it is always a scam.

What to Do If a Scam Popup Appears

If a scary window freezes your screen and threatens to delete your computer unless you call a number, do not panic. Follow these simple steps to safely clear your screen:

1. Do not call the phone number: Under no circumstances should you call the number listed in the popup window or click any buttons on the flashing alert.
2. Close your internet browser: Try to close the browser screen by clicking the "X" in the top corner.
3. Perform a physical restart: If your computer is locked up and your mouse will not move, press and hold your computer's physical power button down for several seconds until the screen goes completely black. This will not hurt your hardware. Wait half a minute, turn it back on, and your screen will be perfectly clean.

What to Do If You Already Gave Someone Access

If you realized too late that you were dealing with a scam and already allowed a caller to take remote control of your computer, do not be embarrassed. Scammers are professional manipulators, and it can happen to anyone.

Take these immediate actions to secure your assets:

1. Cut the internet connection: Turn off your computer completely. Unplug your home internet router or turn off your device's Wi-Fi. This instantly kicks the scammer off your screen.
2. Secure your money: Call your bank and your credit card issuers on the official numbers listed on the back of your cards. Explain that you may have been targeted by a tech scam, and ask them to monitor or lock your accounts.
3. Reset your credentials: Using a separate, secure device (like your phone or a friend's computer), log into your primary email account and your bank portals, and change your password credentials completely.
4. Report the crime: Submit a report detailing the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Your report helps law enforcement track down these networks.