Tech support scams: fake virus warnings and “Microsoft” calls

A pop-up or call says your computer is infected and you must call a number or allow remote access.

Could you spot it?

3 quick examples. Decide scam or legit for each.

How it works

A web page takes over your screen with a warning, sometimes with an alarm sound, saying your computer is locked or infected. It gives a phone number for “support”. The person who answers asks to connect to your computer, then “finds” problems and charges you to fix them, or uses the access to get into your bank account.

Real security warnings from your computer's maker never ask you to call a phone number.

Red flags

A warning in your web browser with a phone number to call.
You're told not to turn off or restart the computer.
Someone asks for remote access to your computer.
You're asked to pay for support with gift cards, crypto or a wire.

What it looks like

You're reading a recipe website when your screen fills with this, and an alarm starts beeping.

The tells:

A phone number in a security warning. Real ones never have one.
Told not to restart, because restarting would make it disappear.
Scare words about your banking and photos.

A training example written for this site. Names, numbers and links are made up, and links are disabled.

What to do

Don't call the number. Close the browser; if it won't close, restart the computer.
Never give remote access to someone who contacted you first.
If you need help, go to a repair shop or company you already trust.

If you already paid or shared information

Contact the company you used to pay (your bank, card company, gift card company, payment app or wire service) right away and ask them to reverse the payment.
If you shared a password, change it now and turn on two-factor authentication.
If you gave out your Social Security number or other ID details, go to IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan.
Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For scams that happened online, you can also report to the FBI at ic3.gov.

From FTC: What to do if you were scammed.