Tech Support Scams in the USA: Fake Microsoft & Apple Pop-Ups and Calls
Tech support scams trick millions of Americans by faking a computer crisis. A full-screen pop-up warns that your PC is infected — often with a loud alarm and a 'Microsoft' or 'Apple' logo — and tells you to call a support number. Or you get a cold call claiming your device has a virus. The 'technician' then talks you into granting remote access and paying with gift cards. Real companies never cold-call about a virus or ask for gift cards.
Real Scam Message Examples
These are real examples of messages used in this type of scam. If you receive something similar, do not click any links.
Example 1
“** WARNING! ** Your computer has been blocked due to a Trojan virus. Do NOT restart. Call Microsoft Support immediately at 1-888-###-#### to prevent data loss and identity theft.”
Example 2
“Hello, this is Apple Support. We've detected unauthorized logins to your iCloud from Russia. To secure your account, please download AnyDesk so our technician can remove the threat.”
Example 3
“Sir, your subscription for our security service auto-renewed at $399.99. Since you didn't authorize it, let me process your refund — just log in to your bank so I can transfer it back to you.”
Warning Signs of a Tech Support Scam
- ⚠A full-screen pop-up with an alarm says your computer is infected and to call a 'Microsoft' or 'Apple' number now
- ⚠You get an unexpected phone call claiming to be tech support saying your device has a virus
- ⚠You're asked to install remote-access software like AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or UltraViewer so they can 'fix' it
- ⚠Payment is demanded in gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency for a 'service fee' or 'security software'
- ⚠They pressure you not to hang up, shut down, or call anyone else while they 'work on' your computer
How Does This Scam Work?
- 1A scary pop-up or a cold call convinces you your computer is infected or your account is compromised
- 2You call the number or stay on the line, and a 'technician' offers to fix it right away
- 3They direct you to install AnyDesk or TeamViewer, giving them remote control of your computer
- 4They fake a diagnosis, then charge a 'service fee' or push fake security software, demanding gift cards or bank access
- 5With remote access, they may steal files, install malware, or drain your bank account while you watch
Legitimate vs Scam: How to Tell the Difference
| Aspect | ✓ Legitimate | ✗ Scam |
|---|---|---|
| Who contacts whom | You reach out to support; companies don't cold-call about viruses | Unexpected pop-up or call claiming your device is infected |
| Pop-up warnings | Real security warnings never include a phone number to call | Full-screen alarm with a 'Microsoft/Apple' support number |
| Remote access | Legit help never demands AnyDesk/TeamViewer from a stranger | Insists you install remote-access tools so they can 'fix' it |
| Payment | Official services bill through normal, reversible channels | Demands gift cards, wire transfer, or crypto for a 'fee' |
What Should You Do?
- ✓Don't call the number on a pop-up — close the browser (or force-quit) and, if needed, restart your computer
- ✓Never install AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or any remote-access app at a stranger's request
- ✓Never pay a 'tech support fee' with gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
- ✓Paste the pop-up text or caller's message into ScamCheck for an instant verdict
- ✓If you gave remote access, disconnect from the internet, run a malware scan, change key passwords, and report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and the FBI's IC3 at ic3.gov
Free Tool
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Check it now — it's free →Frequently Asked Questions
Do Microsoft or Apple ever call you about a virus?
No. Microsoft, Apple, and other real tech companies do not make unsolicited calls or display pop-ups with a phone number telling you your computer is infected. Any such contact is a scam designed to get you to call and grant remote access.
Is it safe to let a 'technician' use AnyDesk or TeamViewer?
Not when a stranger asks you to. These are legitimate remote-access tools, but scammers use them to take full control of your computer, steal files, and drain bank accounts. Never install them at the request of an unexpected caller or pop-up.
A pop-up locked my screen — is my computer actually infected?
Usually not. Scam pop-ups are just web pages designed to look alarming and hard to close. Try closing the browser tab or window, force-quit the browser, or restart your computer. Don't call the number displayed.
I gave a scammer remote access — what should I do now?
Disconnect from the internet immediately, run a full antivirus/anti-malware scan, and change passwords for your email and bank from a different, trusted device. Contact your bank if you shared financial info, and report to the FTC and IC3.
How do I report a tech support scam in the USA?
Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. If you paid with a gift card, also contact the card issuer right away to try to freeze the funds.
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