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    Safety & Privacy
    Beginner
    2 min read 7 stepsApril 2, 2026Verified April 2026

    How to Recognize and Avoid Tech Support Scams

    Scammers pretend to be from Microsoft, Apple, or your ISP. Learn their tricks and stay safe.

    In this guide (7 steps):

    1. 1.How the scam works
    2. 2.Red flags
    3. 3.What to do if you get a call
    4. 4.What to do if you get a pop-up
    5. 5.If you already paid
    6. 6.How to get real tech support
    7. 7.Protect vulnerable family members
    1

    How the scam works

    ~15s
    You get a phone call, pop-up, or email claiming your computer has a virus. The "technician" asks you to install remote access software and pay $200-$500 to fix the fake problem. Some scammers steal files or install real malware.
    2

    Red flags

    ~15s
    Microsoft, Apple, and Google never call you about computer problems. Pop-ups telling you to call a number are always scams. Legitimate companies don't ask for remote access to fix problems you didn't report.
    3

    What to do if you get a call

    ~15s
    Hang up immediately. Don't press any buttons or say anything. Real tech support comes from numbers you dial yourself, not unsolicited calls. Block the number.
    4

    What to do if you get a pop-up

    ~15s
    Don't click anything in the pop-up. Press Alt+F4 (Windows) or ⌘+Q (Mac) to force-close the browser. If that doesn't work, restart your computer. The pop-up is just a webpage — it can't actually access your computer.
    5

    If you already paid

    ~15s
    Call your bank or credit card company immediately to dispute the charge. Change passwords on all your accounts, especially email and banking. Run a full antivirus scan. Report to reportfraud.ftc.gov.
    6

    How to get real tech support

    ~15s
    Go to the company's official website yourself (don't Google "tech support" — scam ads appear at the top). Call the number on the product packaging or your account settings page.
    7

    Protect vulnerable family members

    ~15s
    Tell older family members about these scams. Install an ad blocker (uBlock Origin) to prevent scary pop-ups. Set their browser to block pop-ups. Reassure them that legitimate companies don't operate this way.

    You Did It!

    You've completed: How to Recognize and Avoid Tech Support Scams

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    Official Resources

    FTC Consumer ProtectionCISA — Cybersecurity TipsAARP Fraud Watch Network

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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    How to Recognize and Avoid Tech Support Scams — Step-by-Step Guide | TekSure