Tech support scams: how to spot one.

Tech support scams typically begin in one of three ways: an unsolicited telephone call ("we've detected a virus on your computer"), a frightening pop-up message on your screen ("warning! call this number immediately!"), or an email asking you to click a link to "verify" your account. All three are fake. All three are trying to get you to either pay for unnecessary "services", grant remote access to your computer, or hand over personal details.

The red flags

Unsolicited contact

The single biggest sign of a scam is that they contacted you first. Microsoft does not telephone people. BT does not pop up on your screen. Apple does not send urgent emails asking you to log in. If someone says they're from a tech company and you didn't contact them first, they're almost certainly lying. Hang up. Close the pop-up. Delete the email.

Pressure to act immediately

Real companies don't tell you to "act in the next ten minutes or your computer will be locked". Scammers do. The pressure is the scam. If you're being rushed, stop.

Asking for remote access

Once a scammer is on your computer, they can install software, steal information, or lock you out. Never grant remote access to anyone who contacted you. We at Seniors Tech Assistance only ever connect to your computer because you rang us and we agreed it together — and even then, you watch the entire session.

Asking for payment by gift cards or wire transfer

This is always a scam. Always. No legitimate business asks for payment in Apple gift cards or via Western Union. If anyone — anyone at all — asks you to pay this way, it is a scam.

The simplest rule of all: if you didn't ring them, don't trust them.

If you're already on the phone with one

Hang up. You owe them nothing — not politeness, not an explanation, not "let me just see what they want". A scammer is a thief. Hang up the moment you realise.

If you've already given them something

Don't panic, but act quickly:

1. If you gave them remote access — turn off your computer immediately and don't turn it back on until someone trusted can check it.
2. If you gave them bank details — ring your bank straight away. Use the number on the back of your card, not anything they gave you.
3. If you paid them — your bank may be able to reverse it if you act quickly.
4. Report it to Action Fraud (actionfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040).
5. Ring us. We'll help you sort out the computer and walk through what to check.

Not sure? Ring us first

If a call, pop-up, or email feels off — but you're not sure — that's exactly what we're here for. Ring 07432 086 899 and read it out to us. We will tell you, kindly and clearly, whether it's real. No charge, no judgement.