Tech support scams are particularly invasive and provocative. After all, who doesn’t panic a little when an error message pops up on your computer telling you to call a repair hotline? Scammers try scare tactics like those, so you’ll pay them to fix problems that your computer and other devices don’t have. Luckily, tech support scams come with dead giveaways, like demanding phone calls.
There’s a specific kind of panic we feel when a trusted device—a computer, phone, or tablet—suddenly glitches. That gut-drop moment is so universal, scammers have made an industry out of exploiting it.
In fact, tech support scams are one of the most common and costly cybercrimes today. In 2024, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reported that these scams alone stole over $1.4 billion from Americans.
Sadly, older adults are disproportionately targeted, with thousands of complaints coming from people aged 60 and older.
But here’s the good news: there are clear warning signs you can watch for. And even if you’ve already been tricked, there are steps you can take to regain control.
Tech support scams explained
Microsoft’s support team warns that tech support scammers will try to trick you into buying support services to repair problems you don’t actually have. They may say that your computer or device’s security system needs an update only they can install. Or that your device needs attention only they can give it.
Their goal? Either for you to pay them to fix a non-problem or for you to share your personally identifiable information (PII) so they can sell it to data brokers or worse.
Most of us aren’t computer programmers—but we’re all dependent on our devices. So, the threat of one being breached or suffering a tech problem catches our attention. Tech support scammers know this and try to fool you into reacting to their fake warnings.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), these “warnings” most often reach people via phone calls, popup screens, text messages, and social media posts and direct messages (or DMs). Luckily, there are a few dead giveaways that a scam is afoot.
How to spot a tech support scam
When something suspicious pops up or you get an unexpected call, pause and ask yourself:
Did I initiate contact? The FBI says that one of the biggest giveaways of a tech scam is when the aggressor calls you or directs you to call them out of the blue. Your computer manufacturer, device maker, and software system company will never call you warning of a tech problem, nor will they communicate with hotline phone numbers for you to call.
Are they asking me to click a link or download something? When a scammer says you need to click on a link they send, don’t. And don’t open any attachments or download any apps. Why? Scammers use these connections to install malware onto your device or computer. That type of software can infect your device and give the perpetrator access to your content, contacts, and information.
Are they asking for unusual payments like gift cards or cryptocurrency? No reputable tech group (think Apple, Microsoft, Samsung, Dell, Amazon, etc.) will ask for you to pay them in gift cards or crypto. Further, none of their representatives will take down your credit card or bank account information over the phone. They use secure billing software on their commercial sites instead.
Does the website look official and secure? Some tech support scammers set up fake help centers and sites that mimic those of real tech companies. Don’t click on ads for these or visit them. Real tech support companies don’t advertise tech support, and they certainly would never do so on platforms outside their sites. How can you tell if you’re on the company’s safe “home” site? Look for the “https” prefix on their URL, which indicates a secure and reputable web address.
Are they asking for remote access to my device? The FBI warns: Never give remote access to your computer or other device to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
What to do if you fall for a tech support scam
Tens of thousands of people fall victim to tech support scams each year, so kick any shame about being duped to the curb.
What matters most is acting quickly to protect yourself:
Turn your computer or device off and on again. This reboots any security software that you already have in place.
Change how you log in and change your passwords. Use multi-factor identification.
Install the latest operating system for your device. Doing so installs the most rigorous security updates available.
Freeze your credit. If you share financial information or other PII with the scammer, freeze and/or lock your credit so they can’t open any credit accounts in your name. Report the fraud to your financial institution and card companies, cancel your old cards, and get new ones.
Scan your computer or device for malware. Not sure how to? Take it to a well-known national store’s help desk (like those at major electronic stores), your phone carrier, the Genius Bar (if you have an Apple device), or contact your computer or device’s tech support team through the manufacturer’s website. (Tip: Go through the site rather than entering tech help into a search engine.)
Report the crime to the Federal Trade Commission, FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, your local police, and your state attorney general’s office.
Tech support scams are designed to create panic and confusion, but knowledge is powerful armor. If you ever feel uncertain, it’s okay to slow down, take a breath, and ask for help. Here at Allstate Identity Protection, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
