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Home › Scam guides › Is that virus pop-up or "tech support" call a scam?

Is that virus pop-up or "tech support" call a scam?

Last updated · Written by Daniel Morton, Scam, Fraud & Prevention Consultant, Winston-Salem, NC

Short answer: Yes, if it gives you a phone number to call or asks to "remote in" to your computer. Whether you're in Winston-Salem or anywhere in North Carolina, never call a number from a pop-up or let a stranger control your computer.

How it works

A pop-up, call, or email claims your computer has a virus or your account was hacked, and gives you a number to call. The "technician" may ask to connect to your computer remotely, or say you were "refunded too much" and must send money back.

Red flags

  • Pop-ups with a phone number and loud warnings
  • Asks to "remote in" to your computer
  • Says you were "refunded too much" and must send money back

What to do

  1. Never call a number from a pop-up or let a stranger control your computer.
  2. Restart the computer.
  3. Contact the company through its official website, typed in yourself.

If you already responded

It happens to careful people every day. If you let someone connect to your computer, disconnect it from the internet and have someone you trust check it. Change your passwords from a different device. If you paid or shared bank information, call the number on the back of your card. Then report it.

Who to call in North Carolina

  • NC Department of Justice consumer hotline: 1-877-5-NO-SCAM (1-877-566-7226), or file a consumer complaint
  • FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: ic3.gov
  • Federal Trade Commission: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
  • AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline (free for anyone, member or not): 877-908-3360

Common questions

Should I call the number in a virus pop-up?
No. Never call a number from a pop-up or let a stranger control your computer. Restart the computer and contact the company through its official website.
What are signs of a tech support scam?
Pop-ups with a phone number and loud warnings, requests to "remote in" to your computer, and claims you were "refunded too much" and must send money back.
What if I let a scammer onto my computer?
Disconnect it from the internet, have someone you trust check it, change your passwords from a different device, and call your bank if you paid or shared bank information.

Sources

Take your time, and talk it over with someone you trust. There's no shame in being targeted, and reporting helps your neighbors too. This page summarizes the official warnings and news reports linked above. It's general information, not legal or financial advice.

Want an extra layer of protection? Start with the free steps above. If you'd also like to compare paid tools like identity monitoring, call blockers or medical alert devices, see our plain-language protection guide.

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