Checked
Written from official fraud-agency notices. Every figure and piece of advice is checked against the sources listed at the bottom.
What we found
Set out in the same plain format as reader reports.
- What kind of scam?
- Tech support and business fraud
- In short
- A loud pop-up or call says your device has a virus and gives a number. The "technician" wants remote access and a payment.
- How does it reach you?
- Pop-up, call or text
- What does the message look like?
- What the pop-up says, written by us as an example.WARNING: Virus detected. Do not shut down. Call 555 0199 now to avoid data loss.
- How can you spot it?
- A security warning that asks you to call
The FTC: real security warnings never ask you to call a number. - A request for remote access
Never allow it. - Payment by gift card, wire, crypto or app
Pressure, threats or short deadlines. - A fake subscription renewal
Using names like Geek Squad, McAfee or Norton, with a deadline to call.
- A security warning that asks you to call
- Is it growing?
- It is ongoing
- Where do I report it?
- FTC ReportFraud
reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FTC ReportFraud
If this happened to you
- Close the pop-up. Do not call. Restart the device if it is stuck.
- If you gave access or paid, change your password right away and on any account that shares it.
- Contact your bank or card company about unauthorised charges and ask them to reverse them. Update your security software and run a scan.
- Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Sources (1)
Sources
- US Federal Trade Commission: How to spot, avoid, and report tech support scams (Checked 18 Oct 2026)