Fake Tech Support Scams
A pop-up appears on your screen: "YOUR PC HAS A VIRUS β 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 β and everything on it.
π The Scale
Source: Action Fraud, Which? 2025.
π How It Works
The scam can start in two ways:
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.
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 Β£200-Β£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.
π‘οΈ How to Protect Yourself
- β Microsoft, Apple, and BT will NEVER call you about a virus on your computer. Never. They do not do this.
- β Never give remote access to your computer to someone who called you or appeared in a pop-up.
- β Close the pop-up by pressing Alt+F4 or restarting your computer. Do not call the number.
- β Use an ad-blocker in your browser β this stops many tech support scam pop-ups from appearing.
- β Keep your browser and operating system updated.
β‘ 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.