Scam Examples Secria

The tech support scam

A pop-up or call says your computer has a virus and gives you a number to call. Real security warnings never ask you to call a phone number.1

Security warning

Your computer may be infected1

This alert is from your computer maker's support team.2 Call support now: +1 (202) 555-01533 Do not close this window.4

  1. A claim that your computer has a virus or another problem.1
  2. A warning made to look like it comes from a well-known company.1
  3. A phone number. "Microsoft error and warning messages never include phone numbers."2
  4. A window that won't go away. Microsoft says scammers use full-screen browsers and persistent pop-ups.2

What to do Don't call. If you think something is wrong, update your security software and run a scan.1

Rebuilt from the FTC's description; the wording and number are made up. Checked 29 October 2026 against the sources.

What happens if you call

The FBI received 47,794 tech support scam complaints in 2025, with reported losses of $2.13 billion.3

  1. "Let me connect to your computer."They ask for remote access, pretend to scan it, and say they found malware they'll remove for a fee.1
  2. "Pay by gift card, wire or crypto."They ask for payment methods that work like cash, so the money is hard to get back.1
  3. "We refunded you too much."They ask for bank or card details for a refund, then claim they overpaid you and want the difference back.1
  4. "Your money isn't safe."In one version a fake agent tells you to move money to protect it, or to buy gold. Government workers never do this.1

Where it starts

The pop-up is only one way in. Legitimate tech companies won't contact you by phone, email or text about a problem with your computer.1

A call, a search result or an ad

Callers pose as technicians from well-known companies. Scammers also place sites in search results for tech support, and run ads, hoping you'll call.1

Find support through the company's own site or a store you trust.1

A renewal email or text

A charge of hundreds of dollars for a tech support plan, with 24 hours to call and dispute it.1 The fake renewal email in full

Check your statement before you call anyone.1

If you already called

You let them onto your computer

Uninstall any apps they asked you to install, run a full scan with your security software, and change your passwords. Microsoft also suggests considering a reset of the device.2

Change a reused password everywhere you used it.1

You paid

Report the charge to your bank or card issuer and ask for a reversal. For gift cards, wires, payment apps and crypto, call the company that moved the money today.1,4

Then report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.1

Questions people ask

Are virus warning pop-ups real?

A pop-up that asks you to call a number is not. Real security warnings never ask you to call a phone number.1

Does Microsoft call you about a virus?

No. Microsoft says it doesn't make unsolicited calls or send unsolicited emails asking for personal or financial information.2

The pop-up won't close. What now?

Don't call the number. Microsoft says scammers use full-screen browsers, pop-ups that keep returning and may disable Task Manager, and that its Edge browser can stop these pop-up loops. Then run a security scan.2,1

Where do I report a tech support scam?

At ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report it to Microsoft at microsoft.com/reportascam.1,2 Where to report each kind of scam

More scam examples

Sources 4
  1. How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Tech Support Scams (September 2025), Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Advice. Read 29 October 2026.
  2. Protect yourself from tech support scams (undated page), Microsoft Support. Read 29 October 2026.
  3. 2025 Internet Crime Report, FBI IC3. Read 29 October 2026.
  4. What To Do if You Were Scammed (June 2026), Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Advice. Read 29 October 2026.

Every example is rebuilt from an official alert and made safe, and every source shows the day we read it. How we check