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Tech Support Pop-Up Scams

How it works

A loud pop-up or full-screen warning says your computer has a virus and you must call a phone number right away. The "technician" asks for remote access, pretends to find problems, and charges for fake repairs or support plans. A newer version claims you're owed a refund, then says they "accidentally" refunded too much and asks you to send money back.

Red flags

• A pop-up with a phone number to call
• Someone asking for remote access to your computer
• Payment requests by gift card, wire or crypto
• A "refund" that was too large and must be paid back

The FTC says legitimate tech companies won't contact you by phone, email or text to say there's a problem with your computer, and security pop-up warnings from real companies won't ask you to call a number. If you gave remote access, update your security software, run a scan and change your passwords.

Got a message like this? Paste it into the free scam checker. It runs only in your browser.

If you already paid

Act fast. The FTC's advice depends on how you paid:

• Credit or debit card: call the card company, report the fraudulent charge and ask them to reverse it.
• Bank transfer or wire: contact your bank or the wire company (such as Western Union or MoneyGram) right away and ask them to reverse the transfer.
• Payment app (Zelle, Cash App, Venmo): report it to the app and to your bank, and ask for a reversal.
• Gift card: contact the company that issued the card, tell them it was used in a scam, and keep the card and receipt.
• Cryptocurrency: crypto payments usually can't be reversed. Contact the exchange you used and report to IC3.gov.
• Cash by mail or courier: report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service or the delivery company and the FTC.
• You gave a password or code: change that password now, turn on two-step verification and check for changes you didn't make.
• You gave your Social Security number: visit IdentityTheft.gov and consider a free credit freeze with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

Watch for "recovery" scams. Anyone who contacts you offering to get your money back for a fee is likely another scammer.

How to report it

• FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If your personal information was misused, also go to IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan.
• FBI: IC3.gov (the Internet Crime Complaint Center), especially if you lost money online or in crypto.
• Your bank or card company: call the number on the back of your card or on your statement, not one from the message.
• Scam texts: forward them to 7726 (SPAM), then delete and block.

Sources: FTC consumer advice (consumer.ftc.gov) and FBI IC3 public service announcements. Last reviewed 2026-10-12.