Tech Support Scams - Don't Fall for Fake Help

April 16, 2025

Imagine this: you're browsing the internet when a window suddenly appears, flashing warnings that your device is infected with a virus. It urges you to call a phone number immediately or risk losing your data. Scary, right? But take a breath—this is most likely a tech support scam.

These scams prey on fear, tricking people into believing their devices are compromised so they’ll hand over money, personal information, or even remote access to their devices. And unfortunately, they’re more common than you’d think.

How It Works

Tech support scams usually follow a pattern:

1. A fake alert shows up on your screen—this could be a pop-up, an email, seem like the entire screen.
2. The message includes urgent language ("Your system is at risk!"or "Your computer is infected") and a phone number to call or a link to click.
3. If you call, a scammer posing as a support agent answers and convinces you to give them remote access to your device.
4. Once in, they might pretend to run a "scan," show you fake errors, and then demand payment for “fixing” the problem—usually through credit card, wire transfer, or gift cards.

Some scammers go further, installing actual malware or locking you out of your own computer to pressure you into paying.

What It Looks Like

You’re working on a document when your screen suddenly freezes. A message on screen shows a it might even have an official logo, along with a phone number that claims to connect you to support for your device, maybe even using the brand name.

The person on the other end is calm and professional. They guide you to download a program so they can “help you.” As they move your mouse, open scary-looking system files, and tell you your computer is riddled with errors, your heart races. Then comes the request: “We can fix this for a one-time fee of $299.”

This whole setup? Fake.

How to Spot Them

• Real tech companies don’t display phone numbers in error messages.
• Pop-ups with phone numbers or requests to call “support” are scams.
• Misspelled words or low-quality graphics are common in scam alerts.
• If someone wants you to pay with gift cards or cryptocurrency, it’s almost certainly a scam.
• Unsolicited calls claiming to be from Microsoft, Apple, or Amazon? Hang up.
• Urgency and fear tactics ("Your files will be deleted in 5 minutes!") are major red flags. If this tactic would work on you, you can setup a backup (to automatically copy everything) to know that your files are safe.

If you're ever unsure, close the browser (force quit if needed), restart your device, and never give control to someone you didn’t contact on purpose. When in doubt, call a trusted tech-savvy friend or your device’s official support channel—not the number in a pop-up. You can always use ScamFerret to help you through that choice.

Staying calm and skeptical can save you from a lot of trouble. Remember: real help never comes by surprise.