How do I protect myself from tech support scams?
Microsoft, Apple, and Google never call you unsolicited about a virus on your computer — close any alarming pop-up by force-quitting your browser, and never give remote access to an unsolicited caller.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Tech support scams arrive as alarming pop-up windows claiming your computer is infected and displaying a toll-free number to call, or as unsolicited phone calls from 'Windows Support' or 'Apple Security.' The goal is to get remote access to your computer, at which point the scammer either instals malware, steals data, or convinces you to pay hundreds of dollars for fictitious repairs.
The key fact to remember: Microsoft, Apple, Google, and antivirus companies do not monitor your computer for viruses and call you when they find one. They have no mechanism to do this. Any pop-up or call claiming your computer has been infected and urging you to call a number or grant remote access is a scam without exception.
If a pop-up freezes your browser and displays an alarming message with a phone number, do not call that number. Force-quit your browser using Task Manager (Windows) or Force Quit (Mac), restart your browser without restoring the previous session, and run a scan with legitimate security software. If you need technical help, use your computer's official support channels: apple.com/support, support.microsoft.com, or a local repair shop you have verified independently.
If you have already granted remote access to a caller, disconnect from the internet immediately by unplugging from the router or turning off WiFi. Change your passwords from a separate, unaffected device. Run a full scan with reputable security software. Notify your bank if you entered any financial information during the session or if the caller had visibility of your screen while financial accounts were open.
Common red flags
- Browser pop-up with an alarm sound claiming your computer is infected with a phone number to call
- Unsolicited phone call from 'Microsoft,' 'Apple,' or 'Windows Security'
- Caller asks you to download remote-access software like AnyDesk or TeamViewer
- Caller asks you to open Event Viewer (Windows) and tells you the normal warnings indicate a virus
- Request for payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency for repair services
- Caller claims to refund you but needs access to your bank account to process it
What to do now
- If a pop-up appears: force-quit the browser, do not call the number displayed
- If you gave remote access: disconnect from the internet immediately, then change all passwords from another device
- Run a scan with reputable security software to check for installed malware
- Contact your bank if any financial information was visible or entered
- Report the incident to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Warn family members about this scam — it particularly affects older adults
Frequently asked questions
How do I get rid of a browser pop-up that I cannot close?
On Windows, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and open Task Manager, find your browser process and end it. On Mac, press Command+Option+Escape to open Force Quit, select your browser and click Force Quit. In both cases, restart your browser without restoring the previous session.
My antivirus is telling me there is a virus. Is that a tech-support scam?
If the alert comes from legitimate security software you already have installed, it may be real. Legitimate security software does not direct you to call a phone number or buy a subscription to fix a specific virus — it quarantines the threat directly. If you are unsure, do not call any number shown in the alert; instead, go to your security software's official website to find support.