Scam guides › Tech support pop-up / fake renewal
"Your computer is infected, call Microsoft": the tech support pop-up scam
Updated . By the AskBeforeYouSend editorial team (how we fact-check). Fact-checked against the official sources listed at the bottom.
Short answer: It's a scam. The FTC says tech support scams often start with a fake pop-up warning that looks like it's from a well-known company and urges you to call a number, or with a surprise "renewal" email from names like Geek Squad, McAfee or Norton. Once you call, they want remote access to your computer and payment that's hard to get back.
What it looks like
WINDOWS DEFENDER SECURITY WARNING: Your computer is infected with Trojan spyware. Do not close this window. Call Microsoft Support at 1-888-555-0199 immediately.
A made-up example in the usual style.
How the scam works
- A loud pop-up, call or email says your computer has a virus or you were charged for a renewal.
- You're told to call a number to fix it or get a refund.
- They ask to connect to your computer, then "find" problems or a refund "error".
- They demand payment by gift card, wire, crypto or a payment app, or say they refunded too much.
Red flags
- A phone number in a virus warning (real ones don't have one)
- "Do not close this window"
- A renewal you never signed up for, with "call to cancel"
- Requests to install AnyDesk, TeamViewer or similar
- Payment by gift card, wire or crypto
What to do now
- Don't call. Close the browser. If it won't close, restart the computer.
- If you gave them access, unplug from the internet, run your real security software, and get help from someone you trust.
- If you paid, call your card company or bank right away.
- Report it to the FTC.
Never send money, gift cards, crypto or verification codes because of a call, text or message. Hang up and call the real number.
Report it
Questions
Would Microsoft or Apple ever call me about a virus?
The FTC's advice is that a pop-up or unexpected call urging you to call tech support is a scam sign. Contact the company yourself using its official website.
Sources
- FTC: How to spot, avoid, and report tech support scams
- FTC consumer alert: No gift cards for tech support scammers
- FBI IC3: Elder fraud brochure
Example messages are made up to show the pattern unless we say otherwise. Phone numbers in examples use the fictional 555 range.
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