Before you respond
Tech support messages and calls
Learn tech support scam warning signs, including fake security pop-ups, renewal refunds, remote access requests, and urgent payment pressure online.
Reviewed June 10, 2026
Quick answer
A tech support message or call may be a scam if it says your device is infected and tells you to call a number, download software, or give remote access.
Close the message, stop the call, and contact the company through the official app or website if you need help.
At a glance
Tech support scams use pop-ups, renewal calls, fake refunds, or warnings to get remote access, payments, or bank details.
- A pop-up, text, email, or caller says your device is infected, locked, or tied to serious crimes.
- You are told to call a number shown in the warning, even though a real security pop-up will not ask you to call.
- Someone asks you to install remote access software or share your screen.
Do not call the number in a pop-up or message.
How tech support scams turn warnings into payments
Tech support scams often start with a pop-up, call, email, or renewal notice that says something is seriously wrong. The message may claim your device is infected, your account was charged, or your money is connected to fraud. The next step is usually a support number, remote access tool, or payment demand.
Real security warnings do not ask you to call a number from a pop-up. Close the browser tab, restart the device if needed, and contact support through the official company website. If the caller talks about moving money, gold, cash, or a safety locker, compare it with bank fraud alert and recovery scam patterns.
What it may look like
"Microsoft security alert: your computer is infected. Call this number now and let the technician connect remotely."
Signs to slow down
- A pop-up, text, email, or caller says your device is infected, locked, or tied to serious crimes.
- You are told to call a number shown in the warning, even though a real security pop-up will not ask you to call.
- Someone asks you to install remote access software or share your screen.
- They ask for payment, gift cards, crypto, gold, cash, or account login details to fix the problem.
- A fake renewal or refund message says you were charged and must call within 24 hours.
What to do next
- Do not call the number in a pop-up or message.
- Do not install remote access software for someone who contacted you unexpectedly.
- Close the browser tab or restart the device if the message will not go away.
- Check your card or bank account directly before believing a renewal or refund notice.
- Contact the company through its official support site if you need help.
- If you gave remote access or payment information, contact your bank and change affected passwords.
How to report it
- Do not call numbers shown in pop-ups, and do not install remote access software for unexpected support.
- Report tech support scam attempts to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- If remote access or payments happened, contact your bank and change affected passwords from a trusted device.
How Olevo can help
Olevo can give you a calm second opinion before you respond.
For a pop-up or message, paste the visible words for a Private Check or upload a screenshot for Detailed Review; for a call, describe who called and what they wanted.
Trusted sources
How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Tech Support Scams
Federal Trade Commission
FTC guidance says real security warnings do not ask you to call a number or give remote access to fix a sudden problem.
Seemingly urgent security messages could lead to tech support scams
Federal Trade Commission
FTC guidance says real security pop-ups never ask you to call a phone number and recommends using trusted support sources.
Phone Scams
Federal Trade Commission
FTC guidance explains common phone scam signs, including pressure, threats, spoofed caller ID, and unusual payment demands.
Spoofing and Phishing
Federal Bureau of Investigation
FBI guidance explains that spoofing can disguise phone numbers, sender names, emails, and websites.
Common questions
Will a real security warning tell me to call a phone number?
No. The FTC says real security pop-up warnings and messages will never ask you to call a phone number.
Is remote access always unsafe?
Remote access can be legitimate when you request help from a company you trust, but it is risky when someone unexpected asks for it.
What if I already let someone connect?
Disconnect from the internet, contact your bank if money or accounts were involved, and change passwords from a different trusted device.
What is a federal safety locker?
There is no real federal safety locker for protecting your money. A caller who says to move money, buy gold, or hand over cash for safety is a scammer.
What should I do if I gave remote access to a tech support scammer?
Disconnect from the internet, contact your bank if money or accounts were involved, and change passwords from a different trusted device.