Fake virus pop-ups and "tech support" calls
Real security warnings never ask you to call a phone number, and legitimate tech companies do not contact you out of the blue to say your computer has a problem.
If this is happening to you right now
- Stop. Do not pay, click, or share any code or password.
- Hang up or stop replying.
- Tell someone you trust. Scammers want it kept secret.
- Look up the real number yourself before calling anyone back.
How this scam works
- A fake pop-up warning that looks like it is from a well-known company tells you to call a phone number. Or someone calls or texts pretending to be a computer technician.
- The FTC describes a newer twist: the pop-up says your bank, investment or retirement account was hacked. You are transferred to someone pretending to be from a government agency or your bank's fraud department.
- That person says the only way to protect your money is to move it to a "new account", buy gift cards, buy bitcoin, or withdraw cash or buy gold and hand it to someone. The scammer controls where the money goes.
Warning signs
- A pop-up with a phone number to call.
- An unexpected call, email or text saying there is a problem with your computer.
- Being asked for remote access to your computer, a password, or a verification code sent to you.
- Being told to "protect" your money by moving it.
- Being told not to tell your bank or family.
What to do
- Never call a number shown in a security pop-up. The FTC says pop-ups that tell you to call tech support are scams.
- The FBI's tech support advice for a locked screen or pop-up: shut down the device. Ignore pop-ups telling you not to power off.
- Never give anyone a verification code. Scammers want it to get into your account.
- Never move money to "protect" it. If you are worried, call your real bank or investment company using a number you know is real, such as the one on your statement.
- If you need help with a computer, ask someone you know and trust, or use the maker's own support or a store you know.
Where to report it
- FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- If you gave access, passwords or paid: After a scam: what to do
More: full reporting directory · what to do after you paid · family safety plan
Common questions
Does Microsoft or Apple call people about viruses?
The FTC says legitimate tech companies will not contact you by phone, email or text message to tell you there is a problem with your computer.
What if I already let them onto my computer?
The FTC advises updating your security software, running a scan, changing your passwords and turning on two-factor authentication, and getting help from the maker or a trusted person. See our After a scam page.
Sources
Last verified: October 17, 2026. We link to the original public pages. Hotline hours and agency advice can change; check the linked page.
- How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Tech Support Scams (FTC; undated page)
- New tech support scammers want your life savings (FTC Consumer Alert; Mar 2024)
- Tech Support Fraud PSA (FBI IC3; Mar 28, 2018)
- What To Do if You Were Scammed (FTC; undated page)
- False alarm, real scam: how scammers are stealing older adults' life savings (FTC Data Spotlight; Aug 2025)