How to Spot and Avoid Tech Support Scams

Tech support scams are the single most reported fraud against older adults, according to the FBI. The scammers are skilled, polite, and patient — and they will spend hours building your trust before asking for money. Here's how to recognize and stop them.

How the scam usually starts

• A loud, full-screen pop-up appears: "Your computer is infected! Call Microsoft Support immediately at 1-800-..."

• A phone call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft, Apple, Norton, or your internet provider.

• An email saying your antivirus subscription auto-renewed for $399 — call to dispute.

All three have the same goal: get you on the phone, get you to install "support software," and get into your bank account.

The five lies they tell

1. "We've detected a virus on your computer." — Microsoft and Apple do not monitor your personal computer. They cannot detect viruses on it.

2. "Let me remote in to fix it." — Once they have remote access, they can do anything you can do, including transferring money.

3. "You need to buy gift cards to pay for the repair." — No legitimate company has ever asked for payment in gift cards. Ever.

4. "Don't tell your bank why you're transferring this money." — A real company would never ask you to lie.

5. "Stay on the phone with me the whole time." — Keeping you on the phone prevents you from calling a family member who would tell you to hang up.

If you already let them in

1. Disconnect from the internet (unplug or turn off Wi-Fi).

2. Restart your computer.

3. Call your bank from the number on the back of your card and freeze your accounts.

4. Change your email password from a different device.

5. Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to your local police.

The "wait 24 hours" rule

If anyone — caller, pop-up, email — pressures you to act right now about money or your computer, the answer is always: "I'll call you back tomorrow." Then call a trusted family member or your IT person. Real emergencies wait. Scams cannot.