The goal of every one of these scams is the same: get you scared or rushed enough to hand over money or control of your device. Once you know the playbook, they're much easier to spot.
The warning signs
- A pop-up says your computer has a virus and gives you a number to call. Real virus warnings never tell you to call a phone number.
- Someone calls claiming to be from Microsoft, Apple, Amazon or your bank. These companies don't cold-call you about your computer.
- You're being rushed or pressured. "Act now or your account will be closed" is a scam tactic, not how real support works.
- They ask for remote access to your computer. Never let someone you don't personally know control your device — scammers use it to steal information in real time.
- They want payment in gift cards, wire transfer or cryptocurrency. No legitimate company asks to be paid this way. Ever.
One rule covers most of it: nobody legitimate will ever contact you out of the blue, scare you, and then ask for remote access or unusual payment. When that combination shows up, it's a scam.
What to do instead
- Don't call the number in a pop-up and don't click anything inside it. Close the browser window — or restart the computer if you can't close it.
- Hang up on unexpected "support" calls. You can always look up the company's real number yourself and call them directly.
- Never give remote access or read out codes, passwords or card numbers to someone who contacted you first.
- Slow down. Real problems can wait five minutes for you to think or ask someone you trust.
- Ask before you act. If you're not sure, that's exactly what I'm here for.
Already let someone in?
If you gave a stranger remote access or shared information, don't panic — but act quickly. Disconnect the device from the internet, change important passwords from a different device, and contact your bank if any payment details were involved. Then reach out and I'll help you check the device, remove anything that shouldn't be there, and lock things back down.
Want a quick reference you can keep handy? Open the scam cheat sheet any time something feels off.