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Tech support scams: pop-ups, calls and remote access

A tech support scam usually starts with a frightening pop-up that will not close, a phone call from someone who says they are from a well-known company, or an email about a subscription renewal you never ordered. The message gives you a phone number to call.

Once you call, the "technician" asks to connect to your computer, then claims to find a serious problem or a refund that was sent by mistake. From there, people are pressured into paying for useless repairs or moving money out of their bank accounts. Real tech companies do not put phone numbers in error pop-ups and do not call you out of the blue.

Updated

How big the problem is

Tech support scams are one of the most expensive frauds aimed at older Americans. In 2025, people 60 and older reported about $1.04 billion in losses from tech and customer support scams to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), from 21,333 complaints. Across all ages, the IC3 recorded 47,794 tech support complaints and about $2.1 billion in losses. The FBI says call-center fraud — tech support plus government impersonation — produced more than 80,000 complaints and over $2.9 billion in losses in 2025. Read our alert: FBI: tech-support scams cost seniors more than $1 billion.

How tech support scams start

The FTC describes four common openings:

  • A fake pop-up warning that looks like it comes from a well-known company, says your computer is infected, and urges you to call a phone number.
  • An unexpected call or text from someone posing as a computer technician.
  • Scam websites in search results or ads designed to get you to call them.
  • A fake renewal notice by email or text saying you were charged for a tech support or security subscription — often using names like Geek Squad, McAfee or Norton. The FTC’s advice: do not use the number in the message.
EXAMPLE — SCAM
A fake virus warning that pushes you to call 'support' This is a made-up example based on real scam reports. Never reply to, call, or tap links in messages like this.

What happens when you call

The FTC describes a pattern that often escalates step by step:

  1. Remote access. The “technician” asks to connect to your computer and pretends to scan it for viruses.
  2. A scary discovery. They claim your accounts were hacked, or that your name is linked to a serious crime.
  3. A handoff. You’re transferred to a supposed bank or government official — complete with badge or case numbers — who says your money is at risk.
  4. The ask. You’re told to withdraw cash, move money to a “safe” account, put it in a “federal safety locker,” or buy gold — or to pay with gift cards, wire or bank transfers, cryptocurrency or a payment app. Some scammers set a short deadline, like 24 hours, to “dispute” a charge.
  5. The fake refund. After a “refund,” they claim they sent too much and ask you to send money back.

The FTC’s 2025 analysis of large losses found that scammers keep victims on the phone to create urgency and to stop them from talking to a friend or relative who might spot the trick.

What real tech companies never do

  • They don’t call, email or text you to say your computer has a problem.
  • Real security pop-ups never ask you to call a phone number.
  • No real company or government agency will tell you to move money to protect it, withdraw cash or buy gold.

If a pop-up appears

Don’t call the number. Close the browser tab or window; if it won’t close, restart your computer. If you’re concerned, run your own security software, or ask a knowledgeable friend or family member — or contact the company using a phone number or website you find yourself.

If you gave someone remote access

  1. Disconnect from the internet.
  2. Update your security software, run a scan and delete anything it flags.
  3. Change your passwords from a different, trusted device, and turn on two-step verification. Change any password you reused elsewhere.
  4. Check your bank and card statements for charges you don’t recognize, and ask your bank or card company to reverse them.
  5. If you paid, contact the payment company right away — see our first-hour checklist.

Report tech support scams

Report tech support scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and, if you lost money or the scam happened online, to the FBI at IC3.gov. People 60 and older can get free help from the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311. The same tricks are also used to steer people to crypto ATMs — learn how that scam works too.

Latest alerts

Where to report tech support scams

Reporting helps investigators spot patterns and warn others — even if you did not lose money. Type these addresses yourself or use the links below; do not use links from a suspicious message.

  • FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

    Online and computer-related fraud, including tech-support, romance, investment and crypto scams.

    IC3.gov

  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

    Any scam, fraud or bad business practice — calls, texts, emails, websites and impostors.

    ReportFraud.ftc.gov

  • National Elder Fraud Hotline (U.S. Department of Justice)

    Free help for people 60 and older: case managers help you report and plan next steps. Mon–Fri, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Eastern.

    ovc.ojp.gov Call 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311)

You can also report to your state attorney general. If you sent money, call your bank or card company right away using the number on the back of your card.

Frequently asked questions

What is a tech support scam?

It's a scam in which someone pretends to be a technician or customer-support agent from a well-known company, claims your computer or account has a problem, and gets you to pay for useless 'repairs,' give them remote access, or move your money.

Do real tech companies call you about viruses?

No. The FTC says legitimate tech companies won't contact you by phone, email or text to tell you there's a problem with your computer, and real security warnings will never ask you to call a phone number.

A pop-up says my computer is infected and won't close. What should I do?

Don't call the number on it. Close the browser tab or window; if it won't close, restart your computer. If you're worried, run your own security software or contact the company using a number you find yourself.

I let a scammer into my computer. What now?

Disconnect from the internet, update your security software, run a scan and delete anything it flags. Change your passwords from a trusted device, turn on two-step verification, check your bank and card statements, and call your bank if you paid anything.

How much do tech support scams cost?

In 2025, people 60 and older reported about $1.04 billion in losses to tech and customer support scams to the FBI's IC3 — and about $2.1 billion was reported across all ages.

What is a refund or overpayment scam?

The 'technician' claims you're owed a refund, pretends to deposit too much into your account, then asks you to send back the difference. The FTC lists this as a common tech support scam tactic. No real refund works that way.

Sources

We rely on official government sources. Read how we check facts in our editorial policy.

  1. FTC: How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Tech Support Scams (updated Sept. 2025) (consumer.ftc.gov, accessed )
  2. FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: 2025 IC3 Annual Report (ic3.gov, accessed )
  3. FTC Data Spotlight: False alarm, real scam — how scammers are stealing older adults' life savings (Aug. 7, 2025) (ftc.gov, accessed )
  4. FTC: What To Do if You Were Scammed (consumer.ftc.gov, accessed )

Other scam types