Tech Support Scams

🔍 How It Works

A pop-up appears on your computer saying it's infected with a virus. It shows a phone number to call for 'Microsoft' or 'Apple' support. When you call, they ask for remote access to your computer and charge hundreds of dollars for fake repairs.

📝 Real Examples

• •A pop-up fills your screen saying 'YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN COMPROMISED' with a phone number to call.
• •Someone calls claiming to be from Microsoft, saying they detected a virus on your computer.
• •After giving remote access, they show you fake 'errors' and charge $400 to fix them.

⚠️ Warning Signs

• •Pop-ups with phone numbers to call
• •Someone calls about your computer unsolicited
• •They want remote access (TeamViewer, AnyDesk)
• •They ask for payment in gift cards
• •They create urgency: 'Your data will be lost!'

🛡️ How to Protect Yourself

• •Close pop-ups using Ctrl+W or Command+W
• •Never call a phone number in a pop-up
• •Microsoft and Apple never call you about viruses
• •Never give remote access to someone who contacts you

📋 What To Do If It Happens

• •Hang up and close the pop-up
• •If you gave remote access, disconnect from the internet
• •Change your passwords from a different device
• •Take your computer to a trusted local repair shop

📞 Where to Report

• •FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
• •Microsoft: microsoft.com/reportascam
• •Your state Attorney General's office