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Tech-support scam

A tech-support scam is a fraud in which criminals pose as technical staff from a well-known company such as Microsoft, Apple, or your internet provider. Warning that your computer is infected, hacked, or leaking data, they press you to grant remote access, buy unnecessary software, or pay a fee to repair a problem that was never real. What they're really after is your money, a foothold to install genuine malware, or your login and banking details.

How we check this: Written and reviewed by the Hunch team; recognition signs reflect how the FTC/FBI describe this scam. · Last reviewed: 2026-08

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Example

A full-screen browser warning locks up with a loud beeping sound and a phone number, insisting your PC is infected and you must call 'certified technicians' immediately. On the call, the 'agent' asks you to install a screen-sharing tool so they can 'clean' your machine and then charges you for a bogus support plan.

How to recognize it

  • An unexpected pop-up, email, or phone call warns of a virus and gives a number to call right now.
  • The person asks you to install remote-access software (AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or similar) so they can control your device.
  • You are told to pay for 'support' using gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency instead of a normal card.
  • They discourage you from hanging up, restarting, or asking a family member, urgency and isolation are constant.

How Hunch flags it

Hunch keys on signal categories common to these lures: manufactured urgency and fear in the message, requests to route you to an off-platform phone number or remote-access tool, and payment or credential asks that don't match how a real vendor operates.

FAQ

Will Microsoft or Apple ever call me about a virus?

No. Legitimate technology companies do not proactively phone customers about infections or display pop-ups with a support number. Any such contact should be treated as a scam.

I let someone remote into my computer, what now?

Disconnect from the internet, uninstall any remote-access tool they had you install, run a trusted security scan, and change passwords for important accounts from a different, clean device. If you paid or shared banking details, contact your bank right away.

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