Online and social · Scam library
Tech support scam (pop-ups and calls): how to spot it and what to do
Arrives by: Pop-up warning, Phone call, Search ad
Is it a scam?
A pop-up or call saying your computer has a virus and you must call a number for help is a tech support scam. The FTC says real security warnings never ask you to call a phone number, and real tech companies won't contact you out of the blue. Close the page, don't call, and never let a stranger connect to your computer.
How the scam works.
A loud, full-screen warning appears while you browse. It may beep or seem to lock the screen. It looks like it comes from Microsoft, Apple or a security company.
It tells you to call a phone number. Scammers also buy search ads, so a "tech support" number you look up can be fake too.
The person who answers asks to connect to your computer "to fix it," then shows you fake problems.
They charge for useless repairs, or claim they refunded you too much and need money sent back. They ask for gift cards, wire transfers, crypto or payment apps.
Red flags to look for.
Illustrative example · Pop-up warning
Pop-up on screen
Written from the patterns official sources describe. Phone numbers and web addresses in it are fake.
A warning on your screen that tells you to call a phone number. Real ones never do.
An unexpected call, email or text from "Microsoft," "Apple" or "Windows support."
Pressure: "Don't turn off your computer" or "Your bank account is at risk."
A request for remote access to your computer or phone.
Payment by gift card, wire, bank transfer, cryptocurrency or payment app. The FTC says this is like paying in cash.
A "refund" that turns into you sending money back.
The real thing vs. the scam.
What the real organization does
What the scammer does
Microsoft, Apple and other real tech companies do not call, email or text you to say your computer has a problem.
A surprise call or pop-up claiming your device is infected.
Real security warnings never ask you to call a phone number.
A flashing alert with a toll-free number and a "Call Now" button.
$1.04 billion
Tech and customer support scams cost people 60 and over $1.04 billion in 2025, the second-largest loss category for that age group.
Source: FBI IC3 2025 Annual Report (PDF).
If you got this message.
- Do not call the number and do not click anything on the warning.
- Close the browser. If it won't close, restart the computer. If that doesn't work, hold the power button until it turns off.
- If you get a call from "tech support," hang up.
- If you think you really have a problem, contact a person or company you already trust, using contact details you find yourself.
- Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Pop-ups pretending to be Microsoft can also be reported at microsoft.com/reportascam.
If you already clicked, paid or shared information.
If they are still connected, disconnect from the internet. Turn off Wi-Fi or unplug the network cable.
If you paid by card or bank account, call the number on the back of your card or in the official app. Report fraud and dispute the charge.
If you paid with gift cards, call the gift card company right away and ask for a refund. Keep the cards and receipts.
Change your passwords, starting with email and banking, and change them anywhere you used the same one. Do this from a different device if you can.
Update your security software and run a full scan, or have someone you trust check the computer. Remove any program the scammer installed.
Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and at ic3.gov if you lost money.
Expect follow-up calls offering to "recover" your money. Those are scams too.
Money already sent? Start with the free C.A.L.M. recovery wizard or get step-by-step help. And watch out for anyone who offers to get it back for a fee.
Not sure about a message?
Check it in a minute.
Answer a few yes-or-no questions and see how risky it looks.
Try the scam checker
How OwlGuardian helps
Make the next scam bounce off.
OwlGuardian does not block pop-ups or calls. When a scary warning appears, say "Hey Siri, call my Owl" to screenshot it and get a verdict in about five seconds, before you dial anything. Tech support emails that land in Gmail can be quarantined, with an alert to your Trusted Contact.
OwlGuardian quietly checks your parent's Gmail with AI, moves scam emails out of sight, and asks you before anything risky gets through. $4.99/month after a 30-day free trial.
Questions people ask.
Is the Microsoft security alert pop-up real?
What to do if a scammer has remote access to your computer?
Can a pop-up give my computer a virus?
Does Microsoft call you about viruses?
Sources
The example above is illustrative, written from the patterns official sources describe. Phone numbers and web addresses in it are fake.
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One short email a week about the scams going around
What's hitting inboxes and phones right now, what it looks like, and the one thing to tell your parents. Written in plain English.