Older adults hardest hit by tech support scams
Scammers call or show pop-up warnings claiming your computer is compromised, then convince you to pay for fake repairs. Older adults lose five times more money to these scams than younger people.
How it works
The scam starts with a phone call or pop-up warning that your computer has a problem and gives a number to call. The caller impersonates Microsoft or Apple or may spoof caller ID to look legitimate. They ask for remote access to your computer, then theatrically run fake scans and show fake errors to convince you of a problem. Finally they demand payment by credit card, gift card, or bank transfer for supposed repairs or service contracts.
Red flags to watch for
- Pop-up or unsolicited call warning of a computer virus or security problem
- Caller claims to be from Microsoft, Apple, or another well-known tech company
- They ask for remote access to your computer or your passwords
- They pressure you to pay by gift card, wire transfer, or remote bank login
- Caller ID shows a familiar company name but you did not initiate contact
What to do
Do not click links or call numbers in unsolicited pop-ups or calls. Hang up immediately on any unexpected tech support call and do not share your screen or passwords. If you need real tech help, find a technician yourself using a trusted referral, not by searching online or calling a number from an unsolicited message. If you were scammed, change your passwords, scan for malware, notify your credit card company, and report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
If this reached you
Source: FTC . Scam Sentinel summarizes official guidance in plain language; it is a decision aid, not a guarantee.