Who do tech support scammers target and why?
Tech support scammers primarily target older and less tech-confident adults, but anyone can be caught by a convincing browser popup or cold call claiming their device has a serious problem.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Tech support scams exploit uncertainty about technology. When a screen fills with alarming warnings about viruses, data theft, or account breaches — often accompanied by a loud audio alarm — many people feel a wave of panic. Scammers manufacture this panic deliberately, because a person who believes their computer is in crisis wants immediate help and is less likely to question whether the 'support' caller is genuine.
Older adults are targeted more frequently because they are more likely to believe that a visual alarm on their screen represents a real technical threat, and because they may not have anyone nearby they can quickly consult. However, tech support scams have also successfully targeted IT-literate people who are simply having a bad day or who are distracted when the popup appears.
Phone-based tech support scams often use purchased data lists to call people who have previously bought electronics, indicating they own a computer. The caller claims to be from a well-known technology company — a brand the target almost certainly recognises — and says the company's monitoring systems have detected a problem with the target's device. The brand recognition and the claim of proactive outreach both lend false credibility.
Remote access is the critical step in most tech support scams. Once the scammer persuades the victim to install remote desktop software, they can scroll through files, show alarming fake log entries, and eventually claim a subscription fee to 'fix' the problem. Some then use the access to actually install malware, access banking apps, or transfer funds while the victim watches a fabricated repair process on their screen.
Common red flags
- A popup with an alarm sound tells you to call a displayed phone number
- A cold caller says your computer has sent error reports to their monitoring service
- The caller asks you to download software so they can 'see' and fix your device
- They show you the Windows Event Viewer and claim normal log entries are viruses
- Payment is requested by gift card, wire, or crypto for the 'support service'
- After remote access is granted, you notice them navigating to banking or financial apps
What to do now
- Close the popup or browser tab — popups cannot diagnose your computer
- If the screen appears locked, restart your device
- Never call a number displayed in a browser popup or system alert that appeared unexpectedly
- If you gave remote access, disconnect from the internet immediately and run a malware scan
- Contact your bank if any financial accounts were accessed during the session
- Report to your national cyber security authority and consumer protection body
Frequently asked questions
Would Microsoft or Apple ever call me proactively about my device?
No. Microsoft, Apple, and other major technology companies do not make unsolicited outbound calls about device security. If someone calls you claiming to represent them, it is a scam.
Can a browser popup actually detect a virus on my computer?
No. A webpage running in a browser cannot scan your file system or detect malware. Any popup that claims to have found viruses on your computer is a fake designed to frighten you into calling a number.