How can you spot a tech support scam?

Are you getting pop-up warning messages on your computer screen? Or maybe a phone call that your computer has a virus?

That may well be a tech support scam. But how do you know? And what do you do? Scammers love to sound legit by pretending to be from a real company – say Microsoft or Apple. They’ll make your computer “problem” sound urgent, trying to get you to act before you have time to think. And they’ll ask you for access to your computer, your bank or credit card number, or for money. But that’s not how real tech support works. So, before you click the link in the pop up or call that number, stop. Talk to someone you trust.  And remember:

• Never share your bank account, credit card, or Social Security number with anyone who contacts you.
• Somebody who tells you to pay with a gift card, money transfer, or Bitcoin is a scammer. Always.

Have you spotted a scam? Report it to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint