Tech support scammers try to scare you into believing there’s a problem with your computer to get your financial information or remote access to your computer. Their goal is to steal your money, or worse, steal your identity.

Three ways tech support scammers try to lure you in:
1) Fake pop-ups from what looks like a well-known company, urging you to call a phone number to get immediate help.
2) Calls or text messages from a scammer pretending they’re a computer technician from a well-known company.
3) Websites that show up in online search results for tech support or display ads online.
4) Notices about automatic renewals for tech support subscriptions. You might get an email or text message claiming you were charged hundreds of dollars to renew your tech support subscription. They will use well-known companies like Geek Squad, McAfee, and Norton.

What to look for to protect yourself:
Most tech support scams rely on elaborate stories, threats, and pressure to con you into giving up your financial information or your hard-earned money. They will claim you’ve been hacked, or they found a virus after scanning your computer, or that your name is linked to serious crimes, like money laundering or drug trafficking.

Remember:

• Legitimate tech companies will not contact you by phone, email, or text to tell you there’s a problem with your computer.
• Real security pop-up warnings and messages will never ask you to call a phone number.
• A legitimate company will never ask you to transfer your money to “protect it.” They will not tell you to put your money in a “federal safety locker” – there is no such thing.
• You will never be urged to pay for services with: cash, gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps.