Tech support: what they say, how to spot it, what to do

What they say

These are typical approaches, written as examples. The wording and claimed sender can change.

• “Your computer is locked. Call our security team immediately.”
• “Your Geek Squad renewal has been charged. Call here for a refund.”
• “Let our technician control your screen so we can remove the threat.”

How to spot it

• A browser warning supplies a phone number and tells you not to close the page.
• An unexpected renewal email directs you to a refund hotline.
• The technician asks for remote access, gift cards or your banking login.

What to do now

1. Do not call the displayed number or download the suggested tool. Close the browser tab; if it will not close, quit the browser using your device’s normal controls. Do not restore the suspicious page.
2. For a renewal claim, check the subscription and card activity through your usual account and statement. Contact the company through your original purchase records or genuine app, not the email’s hotline.
3. Use your device’s existing security tools or a technician you independently trust if you need help. An urgent web page is not a diagnosis. Do not grant a stranger remote access to prove that your device is safe.

If you already paid or shared details

1. If remote access was granted, disconnect from the internet and get trusted help removing the access software and checking the device. Change exposed passwords from a different trusted device.
2. If a supposed refund caller opened your bank account, contact the bank immediately through its real number. Describe both the remote access and any transfer, even if the caller called it a test or an overpayment correction.

Contact the bank, card issuer or payment provider promptly and ask whether the payment can be stopped or reversed. Recovery is not guaranteed. Change exposed passwords through the genuine service. Keep receipts and messages privately for your report.

Report the attempt at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For internet-enabled fraud, also use the FBI’s IC3.

Sources

• FTC: spot, avoid and report tech support scams
• FTC: refund and recovery scams
• FTC: what to do if you were scammed

Questions people ask

Is a warning with a phone number proof of a virus?

No. Close the page and use trusted security tools or independently chosen support. Do not call a number supplied by the warning.

What if the email names Geek Squad?

Check your actual subscription and card statement. A familiar company name and an invoice-style attachment do not verify the sender or the refund number.