How do I report a tech support scam?
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the company being impersonated. If you gave remote access, change all passwords immediately and run a full security scan.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Tech support scams involve callers or pop-up warnings falsely claiming your computer has a virus, then persuading you to give remote access, pay for unnecessary software, or hand over banking credentials. Microsoft, Apple, and Google are the most commonly impersonated companies; all three state clearly they will never contact you unsolicited about a computer problem.
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC has taken action against some of the largest tech support scam call centres. In the UK, report to Action Fraud and to the NCSC at report.ncsc.gov.uk. Also report to the company being impersonated, who usually have a dedicated reporting page for these impersonation cases.
If you allowed remote access, treat the situation as a serious security breach. The scammer may have installed malware, captured passwords, or copied financial documents. Run a full antivirus scan using software obtained from a verified source. Change every password — starting with banking and email — from a different device if possible. Enable two-factor authentication on all key accounts.
If you made a payment, contact your bank or card issuer immediately. Gift card payments and wire transfers are very difficult to recover, but card payments can often be charged back. Report the gift card details to the issuing retailer as the funds may not yet have been redeemed.
Common red flags
- A pop-up claimed your computer was infected and displayed a phone number to call
- A caller said they were from Microsoft, Apple, or your internet provider
- You were asked to install remote access software such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer
- The 'technician' showed you logs or files as 'proof' of infection
- You were asked to pay in gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer
- A refund process went wrong and you were asked to return extra money
What to do now
- Disconnect the computer from the internet if remote access was given
- Run a full antivirus scan from a clean source
- Change all passwords from a different device
- Enable two-factor authentication on banking and email
- Report to the FTC and to the impersonated company
- Contact your bank if payment was made
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to use my computer after a tech support scam?
Not until it has been thoroughly scanned or, for serious cases, the operating system has been reinstalled from scratch. A professional IT technician can help assess the level of risk if you are unsure.
What if I gave the scammer my banking credentials?
Contact your bank immediately and request new credentials and account numbers if necessary. The bank's fraud team will guide you through securing your account and will investigate any unauthorised transactions.