Tech Support Scams
Phone scams cost Americans $1.4 billion in 2024, according to the FTC.
Quick Answer
Tech support scams trick victims into believing their device is compromised, resulting in nearly $1 billion in losses reported to the FBI in 2023 from over 37,000 complaints.
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How It Works
1
A scammer initiates contact through an unsolicited phone call, text message, or a fake pop-up warning on your computer screen that claims your device is infected with a virus. These messages often impersonate well-known companies like Microsoft or Apple and include a phone number to call for urgent assistance.
2
Using urgent and threatening language, the fake technician convinces you there is a serious problem and pressures you to grant them remote access to your computer using software like TeamViewer or AnyDesk.
3
Once connected, the scammer pretends to run diagnostic tests and shows you normal system files or event logs, claiming they are evidence of malware. They then demand payment for unnecessary repairs, software, or security subscriptions.
4
Payment is demanded through untraceable methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. After payment, they may install actual malware, steal personal and financial information from your device, or simply disappear.
Red Flags
- You receive an unsolicited phone call, email, or pop-up message about a problem with your computer; legitimate companies do not make outbound calls to report issues.
- The message uses alarming language, creating a sense of panic and urgency to act immediately.
- You are asked to call a phone number that appears in a pop-up security alert; real security warnings never ask you to call a number.
- Someone asks for remote access to your computer to 'fix' a problem you were not aware of.
- The 'technician' insists on payment for services via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
- You are told your financial accounts are compromised and you need to move your money to a 'safe' account or purchase gold or cryptocurrency for protection.
- The caller or website impersonates a well-known tech company like Microsoft, Apple, or Geek Squad.
What to Do If Targeted
- Hang up immediately on any unsolicited call from someone claiming to be tech support.
- Do not click on any links or call any numbers that appear in pop-up security warnings on your computer. Restart your computer to clear the fake pop-up.
- Never give a stranger remote access to your computer or provide personal information like passwords or bank account details.
- If you paid a scammer, contact your bank or credit card company immediately to stop payment and dispute the charges.
- If you gave a scammer remote access, disconnect your computer from the internet, run a security scan with legitimate antivirus software, and change all your passwords.
- Talk to a trusted friend or family member about the call or message. Discussing it can help you recognize it's a scam.
How to Report It
- FTC — File a fraud report with the Federal Trade Commission to help with investigations and consumer protection.
- FBI IC3 — Report the incident to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
- FCC — File a complaint about phone scams, robocalls, or unwanted calls with the Federal Communications Commission.
- AARP Fraud Helpline — Call 877-908-3360 for free support from trained fraud specialists. Available to anyone, not just AARP members.
Key Statistics
- In 2023, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received 37,560 complaints related to tech support scams, with victim losses totaling nearly $1 billion. — FBI IC3 2023 Report
- Adults over the age of 60 accounted for almost half of the victims and experienced 58% of the financial losses from call center scams, which includes tech support fraud. — FBI 2023 Elder Fraud Report
- Losses from tech support scams increased dramatically to $1.464 billion in 2024, a jump of over $500 million from 2023. — Forbes / FBI Data
- While older adults lose more money, Microsoft reports that Millennials and Gen Z were victimized more often by tech support scams than any other age group. — Microsoft / Forbes
- Imposter scams, which include tech support scams, were the top fraud category reported to the FTC in 2023, with total reported losses of $2.7 billion. — FTC Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2023
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Frequently Asked Questions
No, legitimate technology companies like Microsoft or Apple will not contact you unexpectedly by phone, email, or text message to tell you there's a problem with your device. Any unsolicited contact of this nature is a scam.
If a pop-up alert freezes your screen and urges you to call a phone number, do not call the number. This is a scare tactic. You can typically close the pop-up by restarting your computer.
Yes, people of all ages are victims. While adults over 60 experience the highest financial losses, reports from Microsoft indicate that Millennials and Gen Z are victimized more frequently by these scams than other demographic groups.
Scammers demand payment via gift cards, wire transfers, and cryptocurrency because these methods are difficult to trace and nearly impossible to reverse. Once the money is sent, it is extremely unlikely that you will be able to get it back.
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