Tech support scams: fake Microsoft, Apple and Geek Squad calls

The screen goes red, an alarm blares, and a message says your computer is infected and your bank details are at risk: "Call Microsoft Support immediately at (888) 555-0199. Do not shut down your computer." It's a web page, not a virus, and the number goes straight to a scammer.

Tech support scams are expensive. In its 2025 Internet Crime Report, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center said people reported about $2.1 billion in losses to tech support scams, the third-largest loss of any type of cyber-enabled fraud it tracked.

How they reach you

• The pop-up: a fake security warning in your web browser, often full screen, sometimes with a recorded voice. It uses the name and logo of Microsoft, Apple or an antivirus company and tells you to call a number.
• The cold call: "This is the Windows technical department. Your computer has been sending us error messages." Or someone claiming to be from Apple, your internet provider, or your bank's "security team".
• The fake renewal: an email or text saying your Geek Squad, Norton or McAfee subscription renewed for $399.99, and you have 24 hours to call to dispute it. The FTC has warned about exactly this Geek Squad version.
• The search ad: you search for a company's support number and call a sponsored result that isn't the real company.

What happens on the call

The "technician" is friendly and patient. They ask you to install a remote access program (often a real, legitimate tool) so they can "take a look". Then they show you harmless system logs and call them proof of hackers. The fix costs hundreds of dollars, paid by gift card, wire, crypto or card. Or they say you're owed a refund, have you log in to your bank, and fake an "overpayment" you must send back. While connected, they may install spyware or steal your banking passwords.

Red flags

• A pop-up with a phone number, a countdown or a warning not to restart.
• Any unexpected call about your computer.
• A request to install software so someone can control your screen.
• A refund that requires you to log in to your bank while they watch.
• Payment by gift card, crypto, wire or a payment app.

How to get rid of a scam pop-up

1. Don't call the number and don't click anything inside the warning.
2. Close the browser tab or the whole browser. If it won't close, on Windows press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and open Task Manager to end the browser; on a Mac press Command + Option + Esc to force quit it.
3. When you reopen the browser, don't restore the previous session.
4. If you're still worried, run the security software already on your computer.

If you let them in or paid

1. Disconnect the computer from the internet and uninstall any remote access program they had you install.
2. Scan it with legitimate security software, or take it to a repair shop you choose yourself.
3. Change passwords for email, banking and anything else you logged into, using a different device, and turn on two-factor authentication.
4. Call your bank and card issuer. Report the scam, dispute the charges, and check for transfers between your own accounts you didn't make.
5. Gift cards or crypto: contact the card company or exchange right away and report the scam.
6. Watch for "refund" calls. Scammers often call back later as a "refund department" or even as the FTC. The FTC says it will never ask for remote access to your device or ask you to pay to get a refund.

See what to do if you've been scammed for more.

Where to report

• Microsoft: microsoft.com/reportascam.
• Apple: email [email protected].
• The FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• The FBI: ic3.gov, especially if you lost money.

Before you call any support number, look it up on ShadyCall. Numbers used in these scams often already have tech support scam reports and FTC complaints against them.