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Someone called saying my computer is infected

Hang up. It is a scam

If a stranger calls, emails or texts to say there is a problem with your computer, it is a scam. The FTC says real tech support companies do not contact you out of the blue to tell you there is a problem.

How the scam works

• The caller pretends to be from a well-known company and says they found a virus.
• They ask for remote access to your computer, then claim to find problems.
• They ask you to pay to fix it.

The payment is a clue

Scammers ask for gift cards, wire transfers, bank transfers, cryptocurrency or a payment app, because those are very hard to get back. A real company will not ask you to pay that way.

What to do

• Hang up. Do not press any numbers and do not call back.
• Do not give access, passwords, codes or card numbers.
• Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• If you already gave access or paid, see what to do if you fell for it.

Sources

• FTC: How to spot, avoid and report tech support scams

This guide is general information, not legal or professional advice. If money or personal information is at risk, contact your bank or card company right away.