What is Tech Support Scam?

Tech Support Scam uses the following elements to trick you to pay the scammer to fix a fake issue on your computer:

• A fake support hotline answered by the scanner.
• A malicious Website that generates fake alerts on your computer.
• A malicious Web ad that redirects you to the malicious Website.
• A malicious program bundled within other free software.

Here is how Microsoft describes Tech Support Scam:

Tech support scams use scare tactics to trick you into paying for unnecessary technical support services that supposedly fix contrived device, platform, or software problems.

These scams can use websites to lure you into contacting fake tech support. You may be redirected to these websites automatically by malicious ads found in dubious sites (for example, download locations for fake installers and pirated music or movies). The websites typically use malware in the form of script files like JavaScript or HTML, which can display various fake error messages. The malicious scripts can also put your browser on full screen and spawn pop-up messages that won't go away, essentially locking your browser.

Some tech support scam malware may also come in the form of executable files downloaded on your PC, just like malware. Similarly, when executed, they may display fake error notifications about your computer or software.

These fake error messages aim to trick you into calling an indicated technical support hotline. Note that Microsoft error and warning messages never include a phone number.

Some scammers use cold calls. They call you directly on your phone and pretend to be representatives of a software company. They can then ask you to install applications that give them remote access to your device. Using remote access, these experienced scammers can misrepresent normal system output as sign of problem.

When you engage with the scammers, they can offer fake solutions for your “problems” and ask for payment in the form of a one-time fee or subscription to a purported support service.

A more information, see Microsoft "Tech support scams" article.

⇒ Identify Tech Support Scams

⇐ Fake Alerts and Tech Support Scams

⇑ Fake Alerts and Tech Support Scams

⇑⇑ Windows 8 Security Tutorials