A tech support scam is a fraudulent scheme where scammers impersonate legitimate tech support representatives from well-known companies, such as Microsoft, Apple, or antivirus software providers, to deceive individuals into providing access to their computers or paying for unnecessary services. These scams often start with unsolicited phone calls, pop-up messages, or emails claiming that there is a problem with your computer or that your device has been compromised by malware.
Scammers typically use scare tactics, such as informing the victim that their device has been infected or that personal information is at risk, to prompt immediate action. They may request remote access to the victim's computer to "fix" the problem or ask for payment to remove non-existent malware or viruses. Some scammers even request sensitive personal information, such as credit card details, to charge for services that are not needed.
Falling for a tech support scam can lead to unauthorized access to your personal data, financial losses, and identity theft. To protect yourself from these scams, be cautious about unsolicited calls or messages claiming to be from tech support. Never provide personal information or remote access to individuals you do not know or trust, and verify any tech support requests by contacting the company directly through official channels.