Tech Support Scam Basics

💻 Imagine this: You're browsing online when suddenly a pop-up appears: "Warning! Your computer is infected with a dangerous virus. Do not close this window. Call Microsoft Support immediately at 1-888-XXX-XXXX."

The screen may flash red, sound alarms, or even lock your browser. You panic, dial the number, and a calm voice says, "We can fix this — but first you need to give us remote access to your computer."

Sound familiar? This is a classic tech support scam, one of the most persistent forms of fraud worldwide.

📊 The Reality: Canadians and Americans lose hundreds of millions of dollars every year to fake tech support. Scammers often pose as employees of Microsoft, Apple, or antivirus companies. Once they gain access, they install malware, steal personal data, or demand payment for fake services.

👥 Who's at Risk?

Seniors who may be less familiar with modern tech tricks.

Parents who fear losing family photos or important files.

Anyone who reacts quickly to a sudden, alarming message without verifying.

How Tech Support Scams Work

Scams often follow the Fear → Trust → Access → Payment model:

Fear 😨 Victim is shown a scary message: fake virus alert, flashing pop-up, or a call claiming "your computer is compromised."

Trust 🤝 Scammer impersonates a trusted brand (Microsoft, Apple, Norton, McAfee). They use technical jargon to sound credible: "Your firewall is disabled," "Your IP address is compromised."

Access 🖥️ Victim is tricked into: • Downloading remote access tools (TeamViewer, AnyDesk, LogMeIn) • Granting permission for the scammer to "fix" the problem

Payment 💳 Victim is pressured into: • Paying for fake security software or warranties • Subscribing to useless "support plans" • Handing over banking or credit card information

Aftermath 🔒 Even after payment, scammers may install backdoors or malware to extort victims again later.

Real-World Example

In 2018, the U.S. Department of Justice shut down a massive India-based call centre operation that scammed Americans out of over $100 million. Operators posed as Microsoft employees, tricking victims into granting access and paying for fake security software. Despite such busts, similar scams keep surfacing because they are cheap, scalable, and prey on fear.