The short answer: real tech companies don’t call, email or text you out of the blue to say your computer has a problem, and real security warnings never tell you to call a phone number (FTC). If a pop-up or caller says your computer is infected, don’t call, don’t let anyone into your computer, and don’t pay. Close the browser, restart the computer if you need to, and run your own security scan.
How big the problem is
- In 2025, people 60 and older reported 21,333 tech and customer support scams to the FBI, with more than $1 billion in losses (FBI IC3 2025 report).
- The FTC found that adults 60 and older were five times more likely than younger adults to report losing money to tech support scams, with $159 million lost in 2024 (FTC Older Adults report, Dec. 2025).
How the scam works
- The hook: a scary pop-up that looks like it comes from Microsoft, Apple or your antivirus company, a phone call from a “technician,” a search ad for “tech support,” or an email saying your Geek Squad, McAfee or Norton subscription just renewed for hundreds of dollars (FTC).
- Remote access: they ask you to install a program so they can “see” your computer, then pretend to find viruses.
- The payment: they charge a “fee,” or claim they refunded too much and need you to pay back the difference, by gift card, wire, bank transfer, crypto or payment app (FTC).
- The handoff: sometimes a fake “government agent” comes on the line and tells you to move your savings, withdraw cash or buy gold to “protect” it. That’s always a scam (FTC).
The two rules that stop it
- Microsoft will never contact you first to offer PC or technical support (Microsoft). Neither will Apple, your bank or your internet company.
- Never call a number shown in a pop-up or error message. Microsoft says its real error messages never include a phone number (Microsoft).
If a scary pop-up takes over your screen
- Don’t call the number or click anything inside the pop-up.
- Close the browser. If it won’t close, restart the computer.
- Run a scan with your security software. On Windows, that’s Windows Security. If you’re worried something is really wrong, ask someone you trust or a local store you know (FTC).
If you already let them in or paid
- Disconnect from the internet: turn off Wi-Fi or unplug the network cable.
- Uninstall any remote-access program they had you install, update your security software, and run a full scan (FTC).
- Change your passwords, starting with email and banking, and anywhere else you used the same password (FTC).
- Call your bank or card company on the number on your card. Ask them to reverse any charges.
- Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to Microsoft through its scam report page.
Talk to someone you trust before you act on any “computer problem” call. Saying it out loud often makes the scam obvious (FTC).
