How to Protect Your Computer from Tech Support Scams

You’re browsing the web and suddenly a full-screen pop-up appears: “YOUR COMPUTER IS INFECTED! Call Microsoft Support immediately at 1-800-555-0199.”

Your computer is not infected. That phone number does not go to Microsoft. And if you call it, someone in a call center will try to convince you to pay $300–500 for “repairs” your computer doesn’t need.

Tech support scams cost Americans over $900 million per year (FTC, 2025). Here’s how to protect yourself.

How the Scam Works

1. The hook: A scary pop-up, fake virus alert, or phone call claiming to be from Microsoft/Apple/your ISP
2. The pressure: “Your computer is at risk! Don’t turn it off! Call immediately!”
3. The access: They ask you to install remote access software (TeamViewer, AnyDesk, or similar)
4. The show: They open Event Viewer or Command Prompt and point to normal system logs, telling you these are “errors” and “viruses”
5. The charge: They “fix” the (non-existent) problems and charge $200–800 via credit card or gift cards

Red Flags (If You See Any of These, It’s a Scam)

• A pop-up with a phone number. Real virus alerts from Windows Defender or macOS never include a phone number
• Someone calls YOU about your computer. Microsoft, Apple, and your ISP will never call you unsolicited about viruses
• They ask for remote access. Legitimate tech support from a company you didn’t contact won’t ask to connect to your screen
• They want payment in gift cards. No legitimate business accepts payment in iTunes, Google Play, or Steam gift cards. This is the biggest red flag of all
• Urgency and fear. “Don’t turn off your computer!” “Your files will be deleted!” “Hackers are watching you right now!” — all fabricated urgency to prevent you from thinking clearly

What to Do If You See a Scary Pop-Up

1. Don’t call the number. Ever
2. Close the browser. Press Ctrl + W or Cmd + W. If it won’t close, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete → Task Manager → end your browser process
3. Clear your browser cache so the pop-up doesn’t reappear: Settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data
4. Run a scan. Use Windows Defender (built-in) or Malwarebytes (free). If they find nothing, your computer is fine

What to Do If You Already Gave Them Access

If a scammer connected to your computer via remote access software:

1. Disconnect from the internet immediately (unplug ethernet or turn off Wi-Fi)
2. Uninstall the remote access software they had you install (TeamViewer, AnyDesk, SupRemo, etc.)
3. Change your passwords on a different device — email, banking, and any accounts you were logged into during their session
4. Run a full antivirus scan — they may have installed actual malware while they had access
5. Call your bank if you gave them payment information. Dispute the charge
6. Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov

How to Protect Yourself Going Forward

• Use an ad blocker. uBlock Origin (free, open source) blocks most malicious pop-ups before they appear
• Keep your browser updated. Modern browsers have built-in scam site warnings
• Don’t Google “tech support” for your problems. Scammers buy ads that appear at the top of search results for terms like “Microsoft support number.” Go directly to support.microsoft.com or support.apple.com
• Tell your family. Seniors are disproportionately targeted. Walk them through these red flags before it happens

Think your computer might actually have a virus? Check the real warning signs here, or book a free diagnosis with us — we’ll tell you the truth.