The tech support pop-up

A pop-up or a phone call says your computer is infected and offers to fix it if you let a technician connect. No company monitors your home computer for viruses and calls you about them. The goal is remote access, a bill for fake repairs, or both.

How does it work?

The pop-up is a web page. It may fill the screen, play an alarm, and show a phone number. It cannot see inside your computer.

On the call, you are walked through installing a remote access tool. These are legitimate programs used by real IT departments, which is why they get past your guard.

Once connected, they can open your banking, read saved passwords, or install more software while "running a scan".

What does one look like?

What are the warning signs?

• An unexpected call, pop-up, or email about a problem with your device.
• A request to install something or share your screen.
• Payment wanted in gift cards, cryptocurrency, or by wire.
• A later call offering a "refund", which needs remote access again.

How do I check it myself?

1. Close the browser. If it will not close, hold the power button to shut down and start again.
2. If you want your device looked at, go to the maker's site by typing the address, or to a repair shop you chose.

What if I already acted?

• Let someone connect? Disconnect from the internet, then update your security software and run a scan, as the FTC advises. Delete whatever it flags.
• Change your passwords from a different device, starting with email and banking. Turn on two-factor authentication.
• Paid by card? Ask the card issuer to reverse the charge. Paid by gift card? Contact the card issuer with the card and receipt in hand.

See the full recovery steps

Sources

• FTC: How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Tech Support Scams
• FTC: What To Do if You Were Scammed
• FTC: Use Two-Factor Authentication

Written by the Scammer Checker editors. Published September 21, 2026. Reviewed against the sources above on September 21, 2026. The example is ours and uses reserved example domains.