Tech support scammers want you to believe you have a serious problem with your computer, like a virus. They want you to pay for services you don't need to fix a problem that doesn’t exist. They often ask you to pay by wiring money, putting money on a gift card, prepaid card, or cash reload card, or using a money transfer app, because they know those types of payments can be hard to reverse.
- If you’re looking for tech support, go to a company you know and trust, or get help from a knowledgeable friend or family member. If you search online for help, search on the company name plus “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.”
- If you get a phone call you didn’t expect from someone who says there’s a problem with your computer, hang up.
- Never call a number in a pop-up that warns you of computer problems. Real security warnings will never ask you to call a phone number.
If you spot a tech support scam, tell the Federal Trade Commission: ftc.gov/complaint. Check out this article https://go.usa.gov/xmeSp or this video https://youtu.be/6nSP_cnipTY about how to avoid tech support scams.
