Tech support scams: pop-ups and phone calls
A tech support scam often starts with a fake warning about your computer: a pop-up that urges you to call a number, or a call or text from someone pretending to be a computer technician. The FTC's guidance is plain: real security pop-ups never ask you to call a phone number, and someone who works for the government will never demand payment. If a tech support scammer contacts you, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
How does a tech support scam start?
The FTC page "How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Tech Support Scams" says: "Tech support scams often start with a bogus warning about a problem with your computer." That warning can reach you in more than one way.
- A pop-up. A fake pop-up warning can look as if it comes from a well-known company and urge you to call a phone number to get help.
- A call or text. A scammer can phone or text you first and pretend to be a computer technician from a well-known company.
Once one of these impersonators gets you on the phone, the FTC says "they ask for remote access to your computer and pretend to scan it for viruses." They then claim to find a malicious program. Money comes next: "They often insist that you pay with gift cards, a wire transfer, a bank transfer, cryptocurrency, or a payment app."
What does the official page say about pop-ups and calls?
On pop-ups, the FTC page says: "Real security pop-up warnings and messages will never ask you to call a phone number." On unexpected contact, the same page says that legitimate tech companies will not contact you by phone, email, or text message to tell you about a problem with your computer.
The scam can also borrow the name of the government. You may be passed to a person who claims to work for it. The FTC says: "This person is a scammer who may give you a badge number or open a case number. Both are fake." That person then says your money is at risk and you have to protect it immediately. The official answer is short: "Someone who works for the government will never demand payment. Not in cash. Not in gold."
Fake subscription renewal notices
Another version starts with a notice about a tech support subscription. The FTC describes it this way: "The message says you must call a phone number within 24 hours if you want to dispute the charge." If you call, the scammers ask for remote access, take you to a spoofed website that looks real, and tell you to enter your bank or credit card information to process a refund. They then claim there was an error in the amount, say they refunded too much, and insist you pay them back with gift cards, a wire transfer, a bank transfer, cryptocurrency, or a payment app.
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Tech support scam: what to do
The steps depend on what has happened. The table below follows the FTC page.
| Your situation | What the official page says |
|---|---|
| A pop-up asks you to call a number | Real security pop-up warnings never ask you to do this. |
| A renewal message looks real to you | Contact the company directly using a phone number you know is real. "Do not use the number included in the message." |
| A renewal message mentions a charge | Check your credit card or bank account for an unauthorized transaction for a tech support subscription. If you see one, report it to your credit card company or bank and ask them to reverse it and give you back your money. |
| You think your computer may have a problem | Update your security software and run a scan. For help, go to someone you know and trust. Many software companies offer support online or by phone, and stores that sell computer equipment also offer technical support in person. |
| You gave a scammer your username and password | Change your password right away. If you use the same password for other accounts or sites, change it there, too. Create a new password that is strong. |
| A tech support scammer contacts you | Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. |
What these pages do not settle
These pages describe common patterns and first steps, and they do not decide what a particular message or charge means for you.
Related pages on this site explain how to spot a fake immigration website and how to protect your Social Security number.
Where to look next
For the full wording and the section "What To Do if You Were Scammed", with its specific steps, read the FTC page on tech support scams, and to find the right place for a report, answer a few questions on the USAGov scams and fraud page.
Scope of this page
This page is general information only. A question about a personal situation belongs with an independent attorney.
VisaNow.AI is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. This page is general information taken from official government pages; it does not assess anyone's case. An attorney-client relationship arises only with an independent attorney. Check the official pages for current details.
Information current as of 2026-10-30