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Fake Tech Support Scams

A pop-up appears on your screen: "YOUR PC HAS A VIRUS — CALL 0800 XXX IMMEDIATELY." You call. They ask for remote access. They show you fake problems and demand hundreds of pounds. You give them access to your computer — and everything on it.

📊 The Scale

45,000+

Reported cases per year in the UK

£1,200

Average loss per victim

67%

of victims are over 65

Source: Action Fraud, Which? 2025.

🎭 How It Works

The scam can start in two ways:

Pop-up Warning

A full-screen pop-up appears, often with a countdown timer and a loud beeping sound. It says your computer is infected. It lists fake errors. It gives a phone number to call. The number takes you to a call centre.

Cold Call

Someone calls claiming to be from Microsoft, Apple, BT, your broadband provider, or an antivirus company. They say your computer has been sending error messages or has a virus. They offer to fix it.

Either way, the result is the same: They ask for remote access to your computer using software like TeamViewer or AnyDesk. Once they have access, they "find" problems, demand payment (typically £200-£800), and can install real malware, steal files, or install ransomware. Many victims are then targeted again by the same scammers weeks or months later.

🛡 How to Protect Yourself

✅ Microsoft, Apple, and BT will NEVER call you about a virus on your computer. Never. They do not do this.
✅ Never give remote access to your computer to someone who called you or appeared in a pop-up.
✅ Close the pop-up by pressing Alt+F4 or restarting your computer. Do not call the number.
✅ Use an ad-blocker in your browser — this stops many tech support scam pop-ups from appearing.
✅ Keep your browser and operating system updated.

⚡ If you have been scammed: Change all passwords on a different device. Run a full antivirus scan. Contact your bank. See our Recovery Guide and Emotional Support.