Fake Tech Support Scams in the United States
How fake tech support fraud targets US residents — from Microsoft pop-up alerts to IRS impersonation — with FTC and FBI IC3 reporting routes and the payment methods most commonly demanded.
Part of: Fake Tech Support Calls
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Fake tech support scams are one of the most widely reported fraud types in the United States, with the FTC and FBI IC3 both recording tens of thousands of complaints annually. They range from browser pop-ups claiming a computer is infected to cold calls impersonating Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, or the Social Security Administration. The FBI's IC3 has issued specific warnings about this fraud category, and the FTC provides dedicated resources for victims.
This guide covers the US-specific variants of fake tech support fraud — including the Social Security number freeze scam that is prevalent in the US — the payment methods most commonly demanded, and the reporting routes available to American victims.
How this scam works on the United States
The most common US entry point is a browser pop-up that mimics a Windows Defender or Mac security alert, locking the screen with a warning that the computer has been compromised and instructing the user to call a listed number. The number connects to an overseas call centre where agents pose as Microsoft, Apple, or a generic 'tech support' service.
A US-specific variant involves callers posing as the Social Security Administration (SSA), claiming the victim's Social Security number has been 'suspended' due to suspicious activity or linked to criminal activity. The caller creates extreme urgency — imminent arrest, asset seizure — and demands that the victim protect their funds by moving them to a 'government-protected account' or purchasing gift cards.
Other US-specific impersonations include the IRS (claiming tax liability or a warrant), Amazon (claiming an unauthorized purchase), and Geek Squad or Best Buy (claiming a subscription renewal fee). Payment methods follow a progression: gift cards (Google Play, iTunes, Amazon) for smaller amounts, Zelle and Cash App for mid-range amounts, and wire transfer or cryptocurrency for larger amounts — the latter often after the victim has already paid smaller amounts and trusts the 'technician.'
Common red flags
- A browser pop-up with a Microsoft or Apple logo that locks the screen and displays a tech support phone number
- A call from the Social Security Administration, IRS, or Amazon claiming urgency — requiring immediate payment or asset protection
- Any request for gift card codes, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency to resolve a technical or legal issue
- A 'technician' who asks to install AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or similar remote access software
- Caller who instructs you not to tell your bank or family about the transfer
- An escalation from a small gift card payment to a request for a large wire transfer
How to protect yourself
- Close browser pop-ups with support numbers by pressing Alt+F4 (Windows) or force-quitting the browser — never call the number displayed
- The SSA, IRS, and all federal agencies communicate primarily by post — calls demanding immediate payment are not legitimate
- Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon do not monitor computers for viruses and do not proactively call customers
- If a bank teller or family member asks why you're making an unusual payment, answer honestly — these questions are protective
- Hang up, call the company directly using a number from their official website, and ask if there is a genuine account issue
How to report it
- Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov — the FTC runs a dedicated fake tech support fraud programme
- File with the FBI IC3 at ic3.gov — particularly important if wire transfer, crypto, or significant loss was involved
- Report SSA impersonation to the SSA Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov/report
- Report IRS impersonation to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at tigta.gov
- If remote access was granted, disconnect immediately and run a malware scan — also change all passwords from a clean device
Frequently asked questions
Does the Social Security Administration ever call about a suspended SSN?
No. Social Security numbers cannot be 'suspended.' The SSA communicates primarily by mail. When the SSA does call, it is never to demand immediate payment to avoid arrest or to ask you to protect your funds by moving them. Any call making these claims — regardless of the caller ID displayed — is a scam.
I gave a tech support caller remote access to my computer — what should I do?
Disconnect from the internet immediately. Restart the computer. Change all passwords — email, banking, Amazon, social media — from a separate clean device. Run a full malware scan. Contact your bank if financial accounts were visible. Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. If the caller installed software, consider a clean reinstall of the operating system.