{"id":33817,"date":"2025-03-03T08:05:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-03T16:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/?p=33817"},"modified":"2025-02-27T08:30:43","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T16:30:43","slug":"tech-support-scam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/tech-support-scam\/","title":{"rendered":"Tech Support Scam: Protect Your Devices and Data"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-is_sticky=\"false\" data-sticky_toc_position=\"left\" data-hide_sticky_on_mobile=\"false\" data-sticky_button_icon='&lt;svg style=\"color:#000000;\" class=\"ub_sticky-toc-open-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" height=\"34px\" width=\"34px\" viewBox=\"0, 0, 448, 512\"&gt;&lt;path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M0 96C0 78.33 14.33 64 32 64H416C433.7 64 448 78.33 448 96C448 113.7 433.7 128 416 128H32C14.33 128 0 113.7 0 96zM0 256C0 238.3 14.33 224 32 224H416C433.7 224 448 238.3 448 256C448 273.7 433.7 288 416 288H32C14.33 288 0 273.7 0 256zM416 448H32C14.33 448 0 433.7 0 416C0 398.3 14.33 384 32 384H416C433.7 384 448 398.3 448 416C448 433.7 433.7 448 416 448z\"&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;' data-sticky_button_color=\"#000000\" data-sticky_toc_width=\"320px\" class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-70286ed3-6ed0-4e57-bf52-516b3557a615\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\">Table of Contents<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column \">\n\t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/tech-support-scam\/#0-how-tech-support-scams-work-\" style=\"\">How Tech Support Scams Work<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/tech-support-scam\/#1-step-1-fake-pop-up-or-phishing-email-\" style=\"\">Step 1: Fake Pop-Up or Phishing Email<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/tech-support-scam\/#2-step-2-urgent-message-and-fake-support-number-\" style=\"\">Step 2: Urgent Message and Fake Support Number<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/tech-support-scam\/#3-step-3-remote-access-request-\" style=\"\">Step 3: Remote Access Request<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/tech-support-scam\/#4-step-4-fake-virus-removal-or-refund-setup-\" style=\"\">Step 4: Fake Virus Removal or Refund Setup<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/tech-support-scam\/#5-step-5-financial-theft-or-data-breach-\" style=\"\">Step 5: Financial Theft or Data Breach<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/tech-support-scam\/#6-the-most-common-tech-support-scam-methods-\" style=\"\">The Most Common Tech Support Scam Methods<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/tech-support-scam\/#7-fake-microsoft-helpdesk-pages-\" style=\"\">Fake Microsoft Helpdesk Pages<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/tech-support-scam\/#8-search-query-hijacking-\" style=\"\">Search Query Hijacking<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/tech-support-scam\/#9-chatbot-scams-\" style=\"\">Chatbot Scams<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/tech-support-scam\/#10-new-tactics-in-2025-\" style=\"\">New Tactics in 2025<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/tech-support-scam\/#11-how-to-identify-a-tech-support-scam-\" style=\"\">How to Identify a Tech Support Scam<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/tech-support-scam\/#12-red-flags-in-pop-ups-and-emails-\" style=\"\">Red Flags in Pop-Ups and Emails<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/tech-support-scam\/#13-does-it-have-typos-\" style=\"\">Does it Have Typos?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/tech-support-scam\/#14-does-it-demand-immediate-action-\" style=\"\">Does it Demand Immediate Action?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/tech-support-scam\/#15-does-the-sender-look-legit-\" style=\"\">Does the Sender Look Legit?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/tech-support-scam\/#16-suspicious-behavior-during-calls-\" style=\"\">Suspicious Behavior During Calls<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/tech-support-scam\/#17-how-to-check-if-a-company-is-real-\" style=\"\">How to Check If a Company Is Real<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/tech-support-scam\/#18-how-to-protect-your-devices-and-data-\" style=\"\">How to Protect Your Devices and Data<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/tech-support-scam\/#19-blocking-scam-attempts-\" style=\"\">Blocking Scam Attempts<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/tech-support-scam\/#20-safe-browsing-habits-\" style=\"\">Safe Browsing Habits<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>A tech support scam takes control of your device, locks you out of accounts, and exposes your personal data. In 2023, victims lost $3.4 billion, with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fbi.gov\/contact-us\/field-offices\/tampa\/news\/older-americans-lose-billions-to-fraudsters\">seniors being five times more<\/a> likely to fall for this scam.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But these scams are getting worse with AI-generated voices, deepfake tech, and fake Microsoft support pages.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s break down how they work, what\u2019s new in 2025, and how to stay safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><div class=\"search_mb_2020 scfb_mb_search scfb_full_search blog_content_search\"> <div class=\"search-form-2020\"  data-js-r=\"search.form\">\n    <div class=\"row tabs-content\">\n        <div class=\"scf-tooltip-badge-target\" data-badge-number=\"1\" data-badge-position=\"badge-bl\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"col-sm-3\">\n\n            <div class=\"tabs\" data-pause=\"false\">\n                <div class=\"dropdown-overlay\"  data-js-r=\"search.form.dropdown_overlay\"><\/div>\n                <a data-item=\"0\" data-type=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/\" class=' active '><i class=\"si-user\"><\/i> <span>Name<\/span><\/a>\n                <a data-item=\"1\" data-type=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-email-address-search\/\" class=' '><i class=\"si-email\"><\/i> <span>Email<\/span><\/a>\n                <a data-item=\"2\" data-type=\"3\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-phone-lookup\/\" class=' '><i class=\"si-phone\"><\/i> <span>Phone<\/span><\/a>\n                <a data-item=\"3\" data-type=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-username-search\/\" class=' '><i class=\"si-username\"><\/i> <span>Username<\/span><\/a>\n                <a data-item=\"4\" data-type=\"5\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-address-check\/\" class=' address_search_menue '><i class=\"si-location\"><\/i> <span>Address<\/span><\/a>\n                <a data-item=\"5\" data-type=\"4\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-image-search\/\" class=' '><i class=\"si-image\"><\/i> <span>Image<\/span><\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"col-sm-7\"  data-js-r=\"search.input.all\">\n            <div class=\"row list  active name-list\">\n                <div class=\"col-sm-6 border-rt\">\n                    <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Enter name here\" aria-label=\"Enter name here\" value=\"\" maxlength=\"100\" name=\"full_name\" aria-required=\"true\">\n                    <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here<\/label>\n                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"col-sm-6 si-triangle-down\">\n                    <select name=\"country\" ><option value=\"US\">United States<\/option><option value=\"CA\">Canada<\/option><option value=\"GB\">United Kingdom<\/option><option value=\"AF\">Afghanistan<\/option><option value=\"AX\">\u00c5land Islands<\/option><option value=\"AL\">Albania<\/option><option value=\"DZ\">Algeria<\/option><option value=\"AS\">American Samoa<\/option><option value=\"AD\">Andorra<\/option><option value=\"AO\">Angola<\/option><option value=\"AI\">Anguilla<\/option><option value=\"AQ\">Antarctica<\/option><option value=\"AG\">Antigua and Barbuda<\/option><option value=\"AR\">Argentina<\/option><option value=\"AM\">Armenia<\/option><option value=\"AW\">Aruba<\/option><option value=\"AU\">Australia<\/option><option value=\"AT\">Austria<\/option><option value=\"AZ\">Azerbaijan<\/option><option value=\"BS\">Bahamas<\/option><option value=\"BH\">Bahrain<\/option><option value=\"BD\">Bangladesh<\/option><option value=\"BB\">Barbados<\/option><option value=\"BE\">Belgium<\/option><option value=\"BZ\">Belize<\/option><option value=\"BJ\">Benin<\/option><option value=\"BM\">Bermuda<\/option><option value=\"BT\">Bhutan<\/option><option value=\"BO\">Bolivia<\/option><option value=\"BA\">Bosnia and Herzegovina<\/option><option value=\"BW\">Botswana<\/option><option value=\"BV\">Bouvet Island<\/option><option value=\"BR\">Brazil<\/option><option value=\"IO\">British Indian Ocean Territory<\/option><option value=\"BN\">Brunei Darussalam<\/option><option value=\"BG\">Bulgaria<\/option><option value=\"BF\">Burkina Faso<\/option><option value=\"BI\">Burundi<\/option><option value=\"KH\">Cambodia<\/option><option value=\"CM\">Cameroon<\/option><option value=\"CV\">Cape Verde<\/option><option value=\"KY\">Cayman Islands<\/option><option value=\"CF\">Central African Republic<\/option><option value=\"TD\">Chad<\/option><option value=\"CL\">Chile<\/option><option value=\"CN\">China<\/option><option value=\"CX\">Christmas Island<\/option><option value=\"CC\">Cocos (Keeling) Islands<\/option><option value=\"CO\">Colombia<\/option><option value=\"KM\">Comoros<\/option><option value=\"CK\">Cook Islands<\/option><option value=\"CR\">Costa Rica<\/option><option value=\"HR\">Croatia<\/option><option value=\"CY\">Cyprus<\/option><option value=\"CZ\">Czech Republic<\/option><option value=\"DK\">Denmark<\/option><option value=\"DJ\">Djibouti<\/option><option value=\"DM\">Dominica<\/option><option value=\"DO\">Dominican Republic<\/option><option value=\"EC\">Ecuador<\/option><option value=\"EG\">Egypt<\/option><option value=\"SV\">El Salvador<\/option><option value=\"GQ\">Equatorial Guinea<\/option><option value=\"ER\">Eritrea<\/option><option value=\"EE\">Estonia<\/option><option value=\"ET\">Ethiopia<\/option><option value=\"FK\">Falkland Islands (Malvinas)<\/option><option value=\"FO\">Faroe Islands<\/option><option value=\"FJ\">Fiji<\/option><option value=\"FI\">Finland<\/option><option value=\"FR\">France<\/option><option value=\"GF\">French Guiana<\/option><option value=\"PF\">French Polynesia<\/option><option value=\"TF\">French Southern Territories<\/option><option value=\"GA\">Gabon<\/option><option value=\"GM\">Gambia<\/option><option value=\"GE\">Georgia<\/option><option value=\"DE\">Germany<\/option><option value=\"GH\">Ghana<\/option><option value=\"GI\">Gibraltar<\/option><option value=\"GR\">Greece<\/option><option value=\"GL\">Greenland<\/option><option value=\"GD\">Grenada<\/option><option value=\"GP\">Guadeloupe<\/option><option value=\"GU\">Guam<\/option><option value=\"GT\">Guatemala<\/option><option value=\"GG\">Guernsey<\/option><option value=\"GN\">Guinea<\/option><option value=\"GW\">Guinea-bissau<\/option><option value=\"GY\">Guyana<\/option><option value=\"HT\">Haiti<\/option><option value=\"HM\">Heard Island and Mcdonald Islands<\/option><option value=\"VA\">Holy See (Vatican City State)<\/option><option value=\"HN\">Honduras<\/option><option value=\"HK\">Hong Kong<\/option><option value=\"HU\">Hungary<\/option><option value=\"IS\">Iceland<\/option><option value=\"IN\">India<\/option><option value=\"ID\">Indonesia<\/option><option value=\"IE\">Ireland<\/option><option value=\"IM\">Isle of Man<\/option><option value=\"IL\">Israel<\/option><option value=\"IT\">Italy<\/option><option value=\"JM\">Jamaica<\/option><option value=\"JP\">Japan<\/option><option value=\"JE\">Jersey<\/option><option value=\"JO\">Jordan<\/option><option value=\"KZ\">Kazakhstan<\/option><option value=\"KE\">Kenya<\/option><option value=\"KI\">Kiribati<\/option><option value=\"KW\">Kuwait<\/option><option value=\"KG\">Kyrgyzstan<\/option><option value=\"LA\">Lao People's Democratic Republic<\/option><option value=\"LV\">Latvia<\/option><option value=\"LS\">Lesotho<\/option><option value=\"LI\">Liechtenstein<\/option><option value=\"LT\">Lithuania<\/option><option value=\"LU\">Luxembourg<\/option><option value=\"MO\">Macao<\/option><option value=\"MK\">Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of<\/option><option value=\"MG\">Madagascar<\/option><option value=\"MW\">Malawi<\/option><option value=\"MY\">Malaysia<\/option><option value=\"MV\">Maldives<\/option><option value=\"ML\">Mali<\/option><option value=\"MT\">Malta<\/option><option value=\"MH\">Marshall Islands<\/option><option value=\"MQ\">Martinique<\/option><option value=\"MR\">Mauritania<\/option><option value=\"MU\">Mauritius<\/option><option value=\"YT\">Mayotte<\/option><option value=\"MX\">Mexico<\/option><option value=\"FM\">Micronesia, Federated States of<\/option><option value=\"MD\">Moldova, Republic of<\/option><option value=\"MC\">Monaco<\/option><option value=\"MN\">Mongolia<\/option><option value=\"ME\">Montenegro<\/option><option value=\"MS\">Montserrat<\/option><option value=\"MA\">Morocco<\/option><option value=\"MZ\">Mozambique<\/option><option value=\"NA\">Namibia<\/option><option value=\"NR\">Nauru<\/option><option value=\"NP\">Nepal<\/option><option value=\"NL\">Netherlands<\/option><option value=\"AN\">Netherlands Antilles<\/option><option value=\"NC\">New Caledonia<\/option><option value=\"NZ\">New Zealand<\/option><option value=\"NI\">Nicaragua<\/option><option value=\"NE\">Niger<\/option><option value=\"NG\">Nigeria<\/option><option value=\"NU\">Niue<\/option><option value=\"NF\">Norfolk Island<\/option><option value=\"MP\">Northern Mariana Islands<\/option><option value=\"NO\">Norway<\/option><option value=\"OM\">Oman<\/option><option value=\"PK\">Pakistan<\/option><option value=\"PW\">Palau<\/option><option value=\"PS\">Palestinian Territory, Occupied<\/option><option value=\"PA\">Panama<\/option><option value=\"PG\">Papua New Guinea<\/option><option value=\"PY\">Paraguay<\/option><option value=\"PE\">Peru<\/option><option value=\"PH\">Philippines<\/option><option value=\"PN\">Pitcairn<\/option><option value=\"PL\">Poland<\/option><option value=\"PT\">Portugal<\/option><option value=\"PR\">Puerto Rico<\/option><option value=\"QA\">Qatar<\/option><option value=\"RE\">Reunion<\/option><option value=\"RO\">Romania<\/option><option value=\"RU\">Russian Federation<\/option><option value=\"RW\">Rwanda<\/option><option value=\"SH\">Saint Helena<\/option><option value=\"KN\">Saint Kitts and Nevis<\/option><option value=\"LC\">Saint Lucia<\/option><option value=\"PM\">Saint Pierre and Miquelon<\/option><option value=\"VC\">Saint Vincent and The Grenadines<\/option><option value=\"WS\">Samoa<\/option><option value=\"SM\">San Marino<\/option><option value=\"ST\">Sao Tome and Principe<\/option><option value=\"SA\">Saudi Arabia<\/option><option value=\"SN\">Senegal<\/option><option value=\"RS\">Serbia<\/option><option value=\"SC\">Seychelles<\/option><option value=\"SL\">Sierra Leone<\/option><option value=\"SG\">Singapore<\/option><option value=\"SK\">Slovakia<\/option><option value=\"SI\">Slovenia<\/option><option value=\"SB\">Solomon Islands<\/option><option value=\"ZA\">South Africa<\/option><option value=\"GS\">South Georgia and The South Sandwich Islands<\/option><option value=\"KR\">South Korea<\/option><option value=\"ES\">Spain<\/option><option value=\"LK\">Sri Lanka<\/option><option value=\"SR\">Suriname<\/option><option value=\"SJ\">Svalbard and Jan Mayen<\/option><option value=\"SZ\">Swaziland<\/option><option value=\"SE\">Sweden<\/option><option value=\"CH\">Switzerland<\/option><option value=\"TW\">Taiwan, Province of China<\/option><option value=\"TJ\">Tajikistan<\/option><option value=\"TZ\">Tanzania, United Republic of<\/option><option value=\"TH\">Thailand<\/option><option value=\"TL\">Timor-leste<\/option><option value=\"TG\">Togo<\/option><option value=\"TK\">Tokelau<\/option><option value=\"TO\">Tonga<\/option><option value=\"TT\">Trinidad and Tobago<\/option><option value=\"TN\">Tunisia<\/option><option value=\"TR\">Turkey<\/option><option value=\"TM\">Turkmenistan<\/option><option value=\"TC\">Turks and Caicos Islands<\/option><option value=\"TV\">Tuvalu<\/option><option value=\"UG\">Uganda<\/option><option value=\"UA\">Ukraine<\/option><option value=\"AE\">United Arab Emirates<\/option><option value=\"UM\">United States Minor Outlying Islands<\/option><option value=\"UY\">Uruguay<\/option><option value=\"UZ\">Uzbekistan<\/option><option value=\"VU\">Vanuatu<\/option><option value=\"VE\">Venezuela<\/option><option value=\"VN\">Viet Nam<\/option><option value=\"VG\">Virgin Islands, British<\/option><option value=\"VI\">Virgin Islands, U.S.<\/option><option value=\"WF\">Wallis and Futuna<\/option><option value=\"EH\">Western Sahara<\/option><option value=\"YE\">Yemen<\/option><option value=\"ZM\">Zambia<\/option><\/select>                <\/div>\n                \n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row list \">\n                <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Enter email here\" name=\"email\" maxlength=\"100\" value=\"\" >\n                <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here: Search an Email<\/label>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row list \">\n                <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Enter phone here\" name=\"phone\" maxlength=\"12\" value=\"\"  data-js-r=\"search.input.phone\">\n                <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here: Search a Phone Number<\/label>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row list \">\n                <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Enter username here\" name=\"username\" maxlength=\"100\">\n                <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here: Search a Username<\/label>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row list \">\n                <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Enter address here\" name=\"address\" maxlength=\"100\"  data-js-r=\"search.input.address\"  autocomplete=\"off\" >\n                <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here: Search an Address<\/label>\n            <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"row list image \" >\n                <span>Browse and upload image here <\/span>\n                                    <form method=\"post\">\n                        <input type=\"file\" name=\"image[]\" aria-label=\"Search an Image\" aria-required=\"true\" accept=\"image\/*\"  data-js-r=\"search.input.image_single\">\n                        <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here: Search an Image<\/label>\n                        <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"search_type\" value=\"4\" \/>\n                    <\/form>                \n                                    <div class=\"file-progress-wrapper\">\n                    <div class=\"file-progress-value\">Uploading...<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"file-progress\">\n                        <div class=\"file-progress-value\">Uploading...<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val anim\" style=\"display: block;\"><\/label>\n        \n                    <\/div>\n        <div class=\"col-sm-2 text-center\">\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"go\"  data-js-r=\"search.go\">Search<\/button>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- Bulk -->\n       \n    <p class=\"respect-privacy\"><span class=\"si-secured-fill\"><\/span> We Respect Your Privacy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<script>\n    var uploaded_images = [];\n<\/script><\/div><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-how-tech-support-scams-work-\"><strong>How Tech Support Scams Work<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/2-19-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-33839\" srcset=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/2-19-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/2-19-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/2-19-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/2-19-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/2-19-640x360.png 640w, https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/2-19-1250x703.png 1250w, https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/2-19-400x225.png 400w, https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/2-19.png 1960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Federal Trade Commission reported that in 2024 alone, consumers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ftc.gov\/news-events\/news\/press-releases\/2024\/11\/ftc-takes-aim-top-fraud-driving-losses-among-older-americans\">lost over $165 million<\/a> to these scams. Here\u2019s how these fraudsters operate:<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-step-1-fake-pop-up-or-phishing-email-\"><strong>Step 1: Fake Pop-Up or Phishing Email<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>It starts with a pop-up warning, phishing email, or fake website claiming your computer is infected or compromised. This pop-up message flash phrases like \u201cYour device is at risk!\u201d or \u201cImmediate action required!\u201d Some of these pop-ups even copy real security alerts, making them harder to spot.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-step-2-urgent-message-and-fake-support-number-\"><strong>Step 2: Urgent Message and Fake Support Number<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>This alert often comes with a customer support number, claiming to connect you to a certified technician. But instead of Microsoft, Apple, or well-known security companies, the call goes straight to scammers. These representatives sound professional and may even have background noise to make it seem like a legitimate call center.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-step-3-remote-access-request-\"><strong>Step 3: Remote Access Request<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Next, they\u2019ll ask you to install <a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/remote-access-scams\/\">remote access<\/a> software like AnyDesk or TeamViewer so they can \u201cfix\u201d the issue. But if you grant them access, they can steal files, install malware, or even lock you out of your own device.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-step-4-fake-virus-removal-or-refund-setup-\"><strong>Step 4: Fake Virus Removal or Refund Setup<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>With access to the device, they\u2019ll run fake diagnostic tests and claim they\u2019ve found major issues. Some of these representatives might <a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/understanding-social-engineering-techniques-how-scammers-exploit-human-psychology\/\">exploit and push<\/a> a fake refund, saying they \u201caccidentally\u201d sent too much money and need you to return it. They\u2019ll also ask you to log into your bank, so they can manipulate transactions and steal your funds.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-step-5-financial-theft-or-data-breach-\"><strong>Step 5: Financial Theft or Data Breach<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>By the time you\u2019d realize what\u2019s happening, they\u2019d have already taken what they wanted. They can also charge you hundreds of dollars for fake security services, steal your personal information, or install keyloggers to capture your passwords for future fraud.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-the-most-common-tech-support-scam-methods-\"><strong>The Most Common Tech Support Scam Methods<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Tech support scams might come in different forms. Here are some of the <a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/tech-support-scams\/\">tech support scams<\/a> you need to watch out for.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-fake-microsoft-helpdesk-pages-\"><strong>Fake Microsoft Helpdesk Pages<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>One of the most <a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/tech-support-scams-2\/\">convincing tech support scams<\/a> involves fraudulent Microsoft support sites. These pages copy real Microsoft branding, complete with logos, customer service numbers, and even fake chat support. And if you enter your details, scammers will call you pretending to be official representatives.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-search-query-hijacking-\"><strong>Search Query Hijacking<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Instead of relying on ads, scammers manipulate search algorithms to rank their fake pages higher in organic results. They use deceptive keywords, fake customer reviews, and <a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/formjacking-how-scammers-use-malicious-codes-to-hack-into-websites\/\">website optimizations<\/a> to make their scam pages appear trustworthy.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-chatbot-scams-\"><strong>Chatbot Scams<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>AI-powered chatbots are also being used in these tricks. They respond instantly on fake tech support sites and guide victims through fake troubleshooting steps. These chatbots also guide users into downloading malware disguised as antivirus software or entering payment details on fake checkout pages.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-new-tactics-in-2025-\"><strong>New Tactics in 2025<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>With tech support scams becoming more sophisticated, here\u2019s what\u2019s changing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>AI-Generated Scam Calls: <\/strong>Scammers use AI to clone real customer service voices. These calls sound convincing, making it easier to trick people.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Deepfake Tech Support Videos: <\/strong>Fake tutorial videos now guide people into downloading malware disguised as legitimate software.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Wondering if you&#8217;re talking to a real tech support agent or not? Run a verification search:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><div class=\"search_mb_2020 scfb_mb_search scfb_full_search blog_content_search\"> <div class=\"search-form-2020\"  data-js-r=\"search.form\">\n    <div class=\"row tabs-content\">\n        <div class=\"scf-tooltip-badge-target\" data-badge-number=\"1\" data-badge-position=\"badge-bl\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"col-sm-3\">\n\n            <div class=\"tabs\" data-pause=\"false\">\n                <div class=\"dropdown-overlay\"  data-js-r=\"search.form.dropdown_overlay\"><\/div>\n                <a data-item=\"0\" data-type=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/\" class=' active '><i class=\"si-user\"><\/i> <span>Name<\/span><\/a>\n                <a data-item=\"1\" data-type=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-email-address-search\/\" class=' '><i class=\"si-email\"><\/i> <span>Email<\/span><\/a>\n                <a data-item=\"2\" data-type=\"3\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-phone-lookup\/\" class=' '><i class=\"si-phone\"><\/i> <span>Phone<\/span><\/a>\n                <a data-item=\"3\" data-type=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-username-search\/\" class=' '><i class=\"si-username\"><\/i> <span>Username<\/span><\/a>\n                <a data-item=\"4\" data-type=\"5\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-address-check\/\" class=' address_search_menue '><i class=\"si-location\"><\/i> <span>Address<\/span><\/a>\n                <a data-item=\"5\" data-type=\"4\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-image-search\/\" class=' '><i class=\"si-image\"><\/i> <span>Image<\/span><\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"col-sm-7\"  data-js-r=\"search.input.all\">\n            <div class=\"row list  active name-list\">\n                <div class=\"col-sm-6 border-rt\">\n                    <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Enter name here\" aria-label=\"Enter name here\" value=\"\" maxlength=\"100\" name=\"full_name\" aria-required=\"true\">\n                    <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here<\/label>\n                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"col-sm-6 si-triangle-down\">\n                    <select name=\"country\" ><option value=\"US\">United States<\/option><option value=\"CA\">Canada<\/option><option value=\"GB\">United Kingdom<\/option><option value=\"AF\">Afghanistan<\/option><option value=\"AX\">\u00c5land Islands<\/option><option value=\"AL\">Albania<\/option><option value=\"DZ\">Algeria<\/option><option value=\"AS\">American Samoa<\/option><option value=\"AD\">Andorra<\/option><option value=\"AO\">Angola<\/option><option value=\"AI\">Anguilla<\/option><option value=\"AQ\">Antarctica<\/option><option value=\"AG\">Antigua and Barbuda<\/option><option value=\"AR\">Argentina<\/option><option value=\"AM\">Armenia<\/option><option value=\"AW\">Aruba<\/option><option value=\"AU\">Australia<\/option><option value=\"AT\">Austria<\/option><option value=\"AZ\">Azerbaijan<\/option><option value=\"BS\">Bahamas<\/option><option value=\"BH\">Bahrain<\/option><option value=\"BD\">Bangladesh<\/option><option value=\"BB\">Barbados<\/option><option value=\"BE\">Belgium<\/option><option value=\"BZ\">Belize<\/option><option value=\"BJ\">Benin<\/option><option value=\"BM\">Bermuda<\/option><option value=\"BT\">Bhutan<\/option><option value=\"BO\">Bolivia<\/option><option value=\"BA\">Bosnia and Herzegovina<\/option><option value=\"BW\">Botswana<\/option><option value=\"BV\">Bouvet Island<\/option><option value=\"BR\">Brazil<\/option><option value=\"IO\">British Indian Ocean Territory<\/option><option value=\"BN\">Brunei Darussalam<\/option><option value=\"BG\">Bulgaria<\/option><option value=\"BF\">Burkina Faso<\/option><option value=\"BI\">Burundi<\/option><option value=\"KH\">Cambodia<\/option><option value=\"CM\">Cameroon<\/option><option value=\"CV\">Cape Verde<\/option><option value=\"KY\">Cayman Islands<\/option><option value=\"CF\">Central African Republic<\/option><option value=\"TD\">Chad<\/option><option value=\"CL\">Chile<\/option><option value=\"CN\">China<\/option><option value=\"CX\">Christmas Island<\/option><option value=\"CC\">Cocos (Keeling) Islands<\/option><option value=\"CO\">Colombia<\/option><option value=\"KM\">Comoros<\/option><option value=\"CK\">Cook Islands<\/option><option value=\"CR\">Costa Rica<\/option><option value=\"HR\">Croatia<\/option><option value=\"CY\">Cyprus<\/option><option value=\"CZ\">Czech Republic<\/option><option value=\"DK\">Denmark<\/option><option value=\"DJ\">Djibouti<\/option><option value=\"DM\">Dominica<\/option><option value=\"DO\">Dominican Republic<\/option><option value=\"EC\">Ecuador<\/option><option value=\"EG\">Egypt<\/option><option value=\"SV\">El Salvador<\/option><option value=\"GQ\">Equatorial Guinea<\/option><option value=\"ER\">Eritrea<\/option><option value=\"EE\">Estonia<\/option><option value=\"ET\">Ethiopia<\/option><option value=\"FK\">Falkland Islands (Malvinas)<\/option><option value=\"FO\">Faroe Islands<\/option><option value=\"FJ\">Fiji<\/option><option value=\"FI\">Finland<\/option><option value=\"FR\">France<\/option><option value=\"GF\">French Guiana<\/option><option value=\"PF\">French Polynesia<\/option><option value=\"TF\">French Southern Territories<\/option><option value=\"GA\">Gabon<\/option><option value=\"GM\">Gambia<\/option><option value=\"GE\">Georgia<\/option><option value=\"DE\">Germany<\/option><option value=\"GH\">Ghana<\/option><option value=\"GI\">Gibraltar<\/option><option value=\"GR\">Greece<\/option><option value=\"GL\">Greenland<\/option><option value=\"GD\">Grenada<\/option><option value=\"GP\">Guadeloupe<\/option><option value=\"GU\">Guam<\/option><option value=\"GT\">Guatemala<\/option><option value=\"GG\">Guernsey<\/option><option value=\"GN\">Guinea<\/option><option value=\"GW\">Guinea-bissau<\/option><option value=\"GY\">Guyana<\/option><option value=\"HT\">Haiti<\/option><option value=\"HM\">Heard Island and Mcdonald Islands<\/option><option value=\"VA\">Holy See (Vatican City State)<\/option><option value=\"HN\">Honduras<\/option><option value=\"HK\">Hong Kong<\/option><option value=\"HU\">Hungary<\/option><option value=\"IS\">Iceland<\/option><option value=\"IN\">India<\/option><option value=\"ID\">Indonesia<\/option><option value=\"IE\">Ireland<\/option><option value=\"IM\">Isle of Man<\/option><option value=\"IL\">Israel<\/option><option value=\"IT\">Italy<\/option><option value=\"JM\">Jamaica<\/option><option value=\"JP\">Japan<\/option><option value=\"JE\">Jersey<\/option><option value=\"JO\">Jordan<\/option><option value=\"KZ\">Kazakhstan<\/option><option value=\"KE\">Kenya<\/option><option value=\"KI\">Kiribati<\/option><option value=\"KW\">Kuwait<\/option><option value=\"KG\">Kyrgyzstan<\/option><option value=\"LA\">Lao People's Democratic Republic<\/option><option value=\"LV\">Latvia<\/option><option value=\"LS\">Lesotho<\/option><option value=\"LI\">Liechtenstein<\/option><option value=\"LT\">Lithuania<\/option><option value=\"LU\">Luxembourg<\/option><option value=\"MO\">Macao<\/option><option value=\"MK\">Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of<\/option><option value=\"MG\">Madagascar<\/option><option value=\"MW\">Malawi<\/option><option value=\"MY\">Malaysia<\/option><option value=\"MV\">Maldives<\/option><option value=\"ML\">Mali<\/option><option value=\"MT\">Malta<\/option><option value=\"MH\">Marshall Islands<\/option><option value=\"MQ\">Martinique<\/option><option value=\"MR\">Mauritania<\/option><option value=\"MU\">Mauritius<\/option><option value=\"YT\">Mayotte<\/option><option value=\"MX\">Mexico<\/option><option value=\"FM\">Micronesia, Federated States of<\/option><option value=\"MD\">Moldova, Republic of<\/option><option value=\"MC\">Monaco<\/option><option value=\"MN\">Mongolia<\/option><option value=\"ME\">Montenegro<\/option><option value=\"MS\">Montserrat<\/option><option value=\"MA\">Morocco<\/option><option value=\"MZ\">Mozambique<\/option><option value=\"NA\">Namibia<\/option><option value=\"NR\">Nauru<\/option><option value=\"NP\">Nepal<\/option><option value=\"NL\">Netherlands<\/option><option value=\"AN\">Netherlands Antilles<\/option><option value=\"NC\">New Caledonia<\/option><option value=\"NZ\">New Zealand<\/option><option value=\"NI\">Nicaragua<\/option><option value=\"NE\">Niger<\/option><option value=\"NG\">Nigeria<\/option><option value=\"NU\">Niue<\/option><option value=\"NF\">Norfolk Island<\/option><option value=\"MP\">Northern Mariana Islands<\/option><option value=\"NO\">Norway<\/option><option value=\"OM\">Oman<\/option><option value=\"PK\">Pakistan<\/option><option value=\"PW\">Palau<\/option><option value=\"PS\">Palestinian Territory, Occupied<\/option><option value=\"PA\">Panama<\/option><option value=\"PG\">Papua New Guinea<\/option><option value=\"PY\">Paraguay<\/option><option value=\"PE\">Peru<\/option><option value=\"PH\">Philippines<\/option><option value=\"PN\">Pitcairn<\/option><option value=\"PL\">Poland<\/option><option value=\"PT\">Portugal<\/option><option value=\"PR\">Puerto Rico<\/option><option value=\"QA\">Qatar<\/option><option value=\"RE\">Reunion<\/option><option value=\"RO\">Romania<\/option><option value=\"RU\">Russian Federation<\/option><option value=\"RW\">Rwanda<\/option><option value=\"SH\">Saint Helena<\/option><option value=\"KN\">Saint Kitts and Nevis<\/option><option value=\"LC\">Saint Lucia<\/option><option value=\"PM\">Saint Pierre and Miquelon<\/option><option value=\"VC\">Saint Vincent and The Grenadines<\/option><option value=\"WS\">Samoa<\/option><option value=\"SM\">San Marino<\/option><option value=\"ST\">Sao Tome and Principe<\/option><option value=\"SA\">Saudi Arabia<\/option><option value=\"SN\">Senegal<\/option><option value=\"RS\">Serbia<\/option><option value=\"SC\">Seychelles<\/option><option value=\"SL\">Sierra Leone<\/option><option value=\"SG\">Singapore<\/option><option value=\"SK\">Slovakia<\/option><option value=\"SI\">Slovenia<\/option><option value=\"SB\">Solomon Islands<\/option><option value=\"ZA\">South Africa<\/option><option value=\"GS\">South Georgia and The South Sandwich Islands<\/option><option value=\"KR\">South Korea<\/option><option value=\"ES\">Spain<\/option><option value=\"LK\">Sri Lanka<\/option><option value=\"SR\">Suriname<\/option><option value=\"SJ\">Svalbard and Jan Mayen<\/option><option value=\"SZ\">Swaziland<\/option><option value=\"SE\">Sweden<\/option><option value=\"CH\">Switzerland<\/option><option value=\"TW\">Taiwan, Province of China<\/option><option value=\"TJ\">Tajikistan<\/option><option value=\"TZ\">Tanzania, United Republic of<\/option><option value=\"TH\">Thailand<\/option><option value=\"TL\">Timor-leste<\/option><option value=\"TG\">Togo<\/option><option value=\"TK\">Tokelau<\/option><option value=\"TO\">Tonga<\/option><option value=\"TT\">Trinidad and Tobago<\/option><option value=\"TN\">Tunisia<\/option><option value=\"TR\">Turkey<\/option><option value=\"TM\">Turkmenistan<\/option><option value=\"TC\">Turks and Caicos Islands<\/option><option value=\"TV\">Tuvalu<\/option><option value=\"UG\">Uganda<\/option><option value=\"UA\">Ukraine<\/option><option value=\"AE\">United Arab Emirates<\/option><option value=\"UM\">United States Minor Outlying Islands<\/option><option value=\"UY\">Uruguay<\/option><option value=\"UZ\">Uzbekistan<\/option><option value=\"VU\">Vanuatu<\/option><option value=\"VE\">Venezuela<\/option><option value=\"VN\">Viet Nam<\/option><option value=\"VG\">Virgin Islands, British<\/option><option value=\"VI\">Virgin Islands, U.S.<\/option><option value=\"WF\">Wallis and Futuna<\/option><option value=\"EH\">Western Sahara<\/option><option value=\"YE\">Yemen<\/option><option value=\"ZM\">Zambia<\/option><\/select>                <\/div>\n                \n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row list \">\n                <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Enter email here\" name=\"email\" maxlength=\"100\" value=\"\" >\n                <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here: Search an Email<\/label>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row list \">\n                <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Enter phone here\" name=\"phone\" maxlength=\"12\" value=\"\"  data-js-r=\"search.input.phone\">\n                <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here: Search a Phone Number<\/label>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row list \">\n                <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Enter username here\" name=\"username\" maxlength=\"100\">\n                <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here: Search a Username<\/label>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row list \">\n                <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Enter address here\" name=\"address\" maxlength=\"100\"  data-js-r=\"search.input.address\"  autocomplete=\"off\" >\n                <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here: Search an Address<\/label>\n            <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"row list image \" >\n                <span>Browse and upload image here <\/span>\n                                    <form method=\"post\">\n                        <input type=\"file\" name=\"image[]\" aria-label=\"Search an Image\" aria-required=\"true\" accept=\"image\/*\"  data-js-r=\"search.input.image_single\">\n                        <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here: Search an Image<\/label>\n                        <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"search_type\" value=\"4\" \/>\n                    <\/form>                \n                                    <div class=\"file-progress-wrapper\">\n                    <div class=\"file-progress-value\">Uploading...<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"file-progress\">\n                        <div class=\"file-progress-value\">Uploading...<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val anim\" style=\"display: block;\"><\/label>\n        \n                    <\/div>\n        <div class=\"col-sm-2 text-center\">\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"go\"  data-js-r=\"search.go\">Search<\/button>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- Bulk -->\n       \n    <p class=\"respect-privacy\"><span class=\"si-secured-fill\"><\/span> We Respect Your Privacy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<script>\n    var uploaded_images = [];\n<\/script><\/div><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11-how-to-identify-a-tech-support-scam-\"><strong>How to Identify a Tech Support Scam<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>If you know what to look for, you can spot the warning signs before falling for their tricks. Here\u2019s how to <a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/avoiding-tech-support-scams-how-seniors-can-protect-themselves-from-fraudulent-callers\/\">identify a scam<\/a> before it\u2019s too late.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12-red-flags-in-pop-ups-and-emails-\"><strong>Red Flags in Pop-Ups and Emails<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Fake tech support scams are designed to trigger panic, but they have warning signs if you look closely. Before clicking on a security warning, ask yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"13-does-it-have-typos-\"><strong>Does it Have Typos?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n<p>Official security alerts from companies like Microsoft or Apple do not contain spelling mistakes or awkward phrasing. If a message feels off, it\u2019s likely a scam.<\/p>\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"14-does-it-demand-immediate-action-\"><strong>Does it Demand Immediate Action?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n<p>Scam pop-ups use vague threats like \u201cYour system is at risk!\u201d or \u201cSecurity breach detected!\u201d without naming the issue. Plus, phrases like \u201cCall support now before your data is deleted!\u201d are designed to pressure you.<\/p>\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"15-does-the-sender-look-legit-\"><strong>Does the Sender Look Legit?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n<p>Scammers copy logos but often mess up fonts, colors, or website links. Always check the email address. If it looks odd, don\u2019t trust it.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"16-suspicious-behavior-during-calls-\"><strong>Suspicious Behavior During Calls<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>While tech support scammers pretend to be professional, these actions expose them as scammers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pressure to Act Immediately: <\/strong>They push victims to install remote access software within minutes, skipping any real troubleshooting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Refusal to Give a Callback Number: <\/strong>They avoid providing a direct contact or case number to prevent verification.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unusual Payment Requests: <\/strong>They demand payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, which are difficult to trace.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"17-how-to-check-if-a-company-is-real-\"><strong>How to Check If a Company Is Real<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Scammers impersonate real tech support teams. Here\u2019s how to verify the legitimacy of a company before engaging:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Search the Official Website: <\/strong>Instead of clicking links in emails or pop-ups, manually type the company\u2019s website into your browser and look for an official support page.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Verify Phone Numbers and Emails: <\/strong>Use <a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/\">Social Catfish\u2019s search tools<\/a> to check if a support number or email is linked to a legitimate company or reported scams.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Look for Business Registration Details: <\/strong>Scammers often create fake websites that look identical to real tech support pages. Before trusting a company, check if it has a legitimate history by searching its name on official databases like the Better Business Bureau (BBB).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"18-how-to-protect-your-devices-and-data-\"><strong>How to Protect Your Devices and Data<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/3-16-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-33840\" srcset=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/3-16-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/3-16-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/3-16-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/3-16-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/3-16-640x360.png 640w, https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/3-16-1250x703.png 1250w, https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/3-16-400x225.png 400w, https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/3-16.png 1960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While scammers rely on deception, the right precautions can block their attempts before they reach you. Let\u2019s look at how to safeguard your devices and personal information.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"19-blocking-scam-attempts-\"><strong>Blocking Scam Attempts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how adjusting your settings can help stop them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Enable Browser Security Settings: <\/strong>Most browsers have built-in protections. In Chrome, go to Settings &gt; Privacy and Security &gt; Security and turn on Enhanced Protection to block deceptive sites.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use Security Extensions<\/strong>: Extensions like Malwarebytes Browser Guard or uBlock Origin block malicious ads and prevent fake pop-ups.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Screen Unknown Calls: <\/strong>Use call-blocking apps like Hiya or enable your phone\u2019s silence unknown callers feature to avoid scam calls.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"20-safe-browsing-habits-\"><strong>Safe Browsing Habits<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Many scams start with a single click. Here\u2019s how to prevent trouble:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Check URLs Carefully: <\/strong>Scammers create lookalike domains such as \u201clearn.microsoft.com\u201d instead of \u201cmicrosoft.com.\u201d Always type official URLs manually instead of clicking on ads.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Avoid Suspicious Ads: <\/strong>Never click on pop-ups or banner ads claiming your device is infected.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Is a tech support agent pressuring you to act fast? Before giving access to your device, verify their identity with our <a href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/search-specialist\/\">search specialist service<\/a> to avoid scams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s what users say about their experience with our service:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Erin was very friendly but professional and got right to the point. I didn&#8217;t have to wait hardly at all and everything was taken care of within a minute or two cuz I didn&#8217;t understand some of the directions but she made it very clear to me and I appreciate it very much&#8221; \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trustpilot.com\/reviews\/6793ef43626fea2b930854d6\">Steven<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><div class=\"search_mb_2020 scfb_mb_search scfb_full_search blog_content_search\"> <div class=\"search-form-2020\"  data-js-r=\"search.form\">\n    <div class=\"row tabs-content\">\n        <div class=\"scf-tooltip-badge-target\" data-badge-number=\"1\" data-badge-position=\"badge-bl\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"col-sm-3\">\n\n            <div class=\"tabs\" data-pause=\"false\">\n                <div class=\"dropdown-overlay\"  data-js-r=\"search.form.dropdown_overlay\"><\/div>\n                <a data-item=\"0\" data-type=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/\" class=' active '><i class=\"si-user\"><\/i> <span>Name<\/span><\/a>\n                <a data-item=\"1\" data-type=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-email-address-search\/\" class=' '><i class=\"si-email\"><\/i> <span>Email<\/span><\/a>\n                <a data-item=\"2\" data-type=\"3\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-phone-lookup\/\" class=' '><i class=\"si-phone\"><\/i> <span>Phone<\/span><\/a>\n                <a data-item=\"3\" data-type=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-username-search\/\" class=' '><i class=\"si-username\"><\/i> <span>Username<\/span><\/a>\n                <a data-item=\"4\" data-type=\"5\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-address-check\/\" class=' address_search_menue '><i class=\"si-location\"><\/i> <span>Address<\/span><\/a>\n                <a data-item=\"5\" data-type=\"4\" href=\"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/reverse-image-search\/\" class=' '><i class=\"si-image\"><\/i> <span>Image<\/span><\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"col-sm-7\"  data-js-r=\"search.input.all\">\n            <div class=\"row list  active name-list\">\n                <div class=\"col-sm-6 border-rt\">\n                    <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Enter name here\" aria-label=\"Enter name here\" value=\"\" maxlength=\"100\" name=\"full_name\" aria-required=\"true\">\n                    <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here<\/label>\n                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"col-sm-6 si-triangle-down\">\n                    <select name=\"country\" ><option value=\"US\">United States<\/option><option value=\"CA\">Canada<\/option><option value=\"GB\">United Kingdom<\/option><option value=\"AF\">Afghanistan<\/option><option value=\"AX\">\u00c5land Islands<\/option><option value=\"AL\">Albania<\/option><option value=\"DZ\">Algeria<\/option><option value=\"AS\">American Samoa<\/option><option value=\"AD\">Andorra<\/option><option value=\"AO\">Angola<\/option><option value=\"AI\">Anguilla<\/option><option value=\"AQ\">Antarctica<\/option><option value=\"AG\">Antigua and Barbuda<\/option><option value=\"AR\">Argentina<\/option><option value=\"AM\">Armenia<\/option><option value=\"AW\">Aruba<\/option><option value=\"AU\">Australia<\/option><option value=\"AT\">Austria<\/option><option value=\"AZ\">Azerbaijan<\/option><option value=\"BS\">Bahamas<\/option><option value=\"BH\">Bahrain<\/option><option value=\"BD\">Bangladesh<\/option><option value=\"BB\">Barbados<\/option><option value=\"BE\">Belgium<\/option><option value=\"BZ\">Belize<\/option><option value=\"BJ\">Benin<\/option><option value=\"BM\">Bermuda<\/option><option value=\"BT\">Bhutan<\/option><option value=\"BO\">Bolivia<\/option><option value=\"BA\">Bosnia and Herzegovina<\/option><option value=\"BW\">Botswana<\/option><option value=\"BV\">Bouvet Island<\/option><option value=\"BR\">Brazil<\/option><option value=\"IO\">British Indian Ocean Territory<\/option><option value=\"BN\">Brunei Darussalam<\/option><option value=\"BG\">Bulgaria<\/option><option value=\"BF\">Burkina Faso<\/option><option value=\"BI\">Burundi<\/option><option value=\"KH\">Cambodia<\/option><option value=\"CM\">Cameroon<\/option><option value=\"CV\">Cape Verde<\/option><option value=\"KY\">Cayman Islands<\/option><option value=\"CF\">Central African Republic<\/option><option value=\"TD\">Chad<\/option><option value=\"CL\">Chile<\/option><option value=\"CN\">China<\/option><option value=\"CX\">Christmas Island<\/option><option value=\"CC\">Cocos (Keeling) Islands<\/option><option value=\"CO\">Colombia<\/option><option value=\"KM\">Comoros<\/option><option value=\"CK\">Cook Islands<\/option><option value=\"CR\">Costa Rica<\/option><option value=\"HR\">Croatia<\/option><option value=\"CY\">Cyprus<\/option><option value=\"CZ\">Czech Republic<\/option><option value=\"DK\">Denmark<\/option><option value=\"DJ\">Djibouti<\/option><option value=\"DM\">Dominica<\/option><option value=\"DO\">Dominican Republic<\/option><option value=\"EC\">Ecuador<\/option><option value=\"EG\">Egypt<\/option><option value=\"SV\">El Salvador<\/option><option value=\"GQ\">Equatorial Guinea<\/option><option value=\"ER\">Eritrea<\/option><option value=\"EE\">Estonia<\/option><option value=\"ET\">Ethiopia<\/option><option value=\"FK\">Falkland Islands (Malvinas)<\/option><option value=\"FO\">Faroe Islands<\/option><option value=\"FJ\">Fiji<\/option><option value=\"FI\">Finland<\/option><option value=\"FR\">France<\/option><option value=\"GF\">French Guiana<\/option><option value=\"PF\">French Polynesia<\/option><option value=\"TF\">French Southern Territories<\/option><option value=\"GA\">Gabon<\/option><option value=\"GM\">Gambia<\/option><option value=\"GE\">Georgia<\/option><option value=\"DE\">Germany<\/option><option value=\"GH\">Ghana<\/option><option value=\"GI\">Gibraltar<\/option><option value=\"GR\">Greece<\/option><option value=\"GL\">Greenland<\/option><option value=\"GD\">Grenada<\/option><option value=\"GP\">Guadeloupe<\/option><option value=\"GU\">Guam<\/option><option value=\"GT\">Guatemala<\/option><option value=\"GG\">Guernsey<\/option><option value=\"GN\">Guinea<\/option><option value=\"GW\">Guinea-bissau<\/option><option value=\"GY\">Guyana<\/option><option value=\"HT\">Haiti<\/option><option value=\"HM\">Heard Island and Mcdonald Islands<\/option><option value=\"VA\">Holy See (Vatican City State)<\/option><option value=\"HN\">Honduras<\/option><option value=\"HK\">Hong Kong<\/option><option value=\"HU\">Hungary<\/option><option value=\"IS\">Iceland<\/option><option value=\"IN\">India<\/option><option value=\"ID\">Indonesia<\/option><option value=\"IE\">Ireland<\/option><option value=\"IM\">Isle of Man<\/option><option value=\"IL\">Israel<\/option><option value=\"IT\">Italy<\/option><option value=\"JM\">Jamaica<\/option><option value=\"JP\">Japan<\/option><option value=\"JE\">Jersey<\/option><option value=\"JO\">Jordan<\/option><option value=\"KZ\">Kazakhstan<\/option><option value=\"KE\">Kenya<\/option><option value=\"KI\">Kiribati<\/option><option value=\"KW\">Kuwait<\/option><option value=\"KG\">Kyrgyzstan<\/option><option value=\"LA\">Lao People's Democratic Republic<\/option><option value=\"LV\">Latvia<\/option><option value=\"LS\">Lesotho<\/option><option value=\"LI\">Liechtenstein<\/option><option value=\"LT\">Lithuania<\/option><option value=\"LU\">Luxembourg<\/option><option value=\"MO\">Macao<\/option><option value=\"MK\">Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of<\/option><option value=\"MG\">Madagascar<\/option><option value=\"MW\">Malawi<\/option><option value=\"MY\">Malaysia<\/option><option value=\"MV\">Maldives<\/option><option value=\"ML\">Mali<\/option><option value=\"MT\">Malta<\/option><option value=\"MH\">Marshall Islands<\/option><option value=\"MQ\">Martinique<\/option><option value=\"MR\">Mauritania<\/option><option value=\"MU\">Mauritius<\/option><option value=\"YT\">Mayotte<\/option><option value=\"MX\">Mexico<\/option><option value=\"FM\">Micronesia, Federated States of<\/option><option value=\"MD\">Moldova, Republic of<\/option><option value=\"MC\">Monaco<\/option><option value=\"MN\">Mongolia<\/option><option value=\"ME\">Montenegro<\/option><option value=\"MS\">Montserrat<\/option><option value=\"MA\">Morocco<\/option><option value=\"MZ\">Mozambique<\/option><option value=\"NA\">Namibia<\/option><option value=\"NR\">Nauru<\/option><option value=\"NP\">Nepal<\/option><option value=\"NL\">Netherlands<\/option><option value=\"AN\">Netherlands Antilles<\/option><option value=\"NC\">New Caledonia<\/option><option value=\"NZ\">New Zealand<\/option><option value=\"NI\">Nicaragua<\/option><option value=\"NE\">Niger<\/option><option value=\"NG\">Nigeria<\/option><option value=\"NU\">Niue<\/option><option value=\"NF\">Norfolk Island<\/option><option value=\"MP\">Northern Mariana Islands<\/option><option value=\"NO\">Norway<\/option><option value=\"OM\">Oman<\/option><option value=\"PK\">Pakistan<\/option><option value=\"PW\">Palau<\/option><option value=\"PS\">Palestinian Territory, Occupied<\/option><option value=\"PA\">Panama<\/option><option value=\"PG\">Papua New Guinea<\/option><option value=\"PY\">Paraguay<\/option><option value=\"PE\">Peru<\/option><option value=\"PH\">Philippines<\/option><option value=\"PN\">Pitcairn<\/option><option value=\"PL\">Poland<\/option><option value=\"PT\">Portugal<\/option><option value=\"PR\">Puerto Rico<\/option><option value=\"QA\">Qatar<\/option><option value=\"RE\">Reunion<\/option><option value=\"RO\">Romania<\/option><option value=\"RU\">Russian Federation<\/option><option value=\"RW\">Rwanda<\/option><option value=\"SH\">Saint Helena<\/option><option value=\"KN\">Saint Kitts and Nevis<\/option><option value=\"LC\">Saint Lucia<\/option><option value=\"PM\">Saint Pierre and Miquelon<\/option><option value=\"VC\">Saint Vincent and The Grenadines<\/option><option value=\"WS\">Samoa<\/option><option value=\"SM\">San Marino<\/option><option value=\"ST\">Sao Tome and Principe<\/option><option value=\"SA\">Saudi Arabia<\/option><option value=\"SN\">Senegal<\/option><option value=\"RS\">Serbia<\/option><option value=\"SC\">Seychelles<\/option><option value=\"SL\">Sierra Leone<\/option><option value=\"SG\">Singapore<\/option><option value=\"SK\">Slovakia<\/option><option value=\"SI\">Slovenia<\/option><option value=\"SB\">Solomon Islands<\/option><option value=\"ZA\">South Africa<\/option><option value=\"GS\">South Georgia and The South Sandwich Islands<\/option><option value=\"KR\">South Korea<\/option><option value=\"ES\">Spain<\/option><option value=\"LK\">Sri Lanka<\/option><option value=\"SR\">Suriname<\/option><option value=\"SJ\">Svalbard and Jan Mayen<\/option><option value=\"SZ\">Swaziland<\/option><option value=\"SE\">Sweden<\/option><option value=\"CH\">Switzerland<\/option><option value=\"TW\">Taiwan, Province of China<\/option><option value=\"TJ\">Tajikistan<\/option><option value=\"TZ\">Tanzania, United Republic of<\/option><option value=\"TH\">Thailand<\/option><option value=\"TL\">Timor-leste<\/option><option value=\"TG\">Togo<\/option><option value=\"TK\">Tokelau<\/option><option value=\"TO\">Tonga<\/option><option value=\"TT\">Trinidad and Tobago<\/option><option value=\"TN\">Tunisia<\/option><option value=\"TR\">Turkey<\/option><option value=\"TM\">Turkmenistan<\/option><option value=\"TC\">Turks and Caicos Islands<\/option><option value=\"TV\">Tuvalu<\/option><option value=\"UG\">Uganda<\/option><option value=\"UA\">Ukraine<\/option><option value=\"AE\">United Arab Emirates<\/option><option value=\"UM\">United States Minor Outlying Islands<\/option><option value=\"UY\">Uruguay<\/option><option value=\"UZ\">Uzbekistan<\/option><option value=\"VU\">Vanuatu<\/option><option value=\"VE\">Venezuela<\/option><option value=\"VN\">Viet Nam<\/option><option value=\"VG\">Virgin Islands, British<\/option><option value=\"VI\">Virgin Islands, U.S.<\/option><option value=\"WF\">Wallis and Futuna<\/option><option value=\"EH\">Western Sahara<\/option><option value=\"YE\">Yemen<\/option><option value=\"ZM\">Zambia<\/option><\/select>                <\/div>\n                \n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row list \">\n                <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Enter email here\" name=\"email\" maxlength=\"100\" value=\"\" >\n                <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here: Search an Email<\/label>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row list \">\n                <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Enter phone here\" name=\"phone\" maxlength=\"12\" value=\"\"  data-js-r=\"search.input.phone\">\n                <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here: Search a Phone Number<\/label>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row list \">\n                <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Enter username here\" name=\"username\" maxlength=\"100\">\n                <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here: Search a Username<\/label>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"row list \">\n                <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Enter address here\" name=\"address\" maxlength=\"100\"  data-js-r=\"search.input.address\"  autocomplete=\"off\" >\n                <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here: Search an Address<\/label>\n            <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"row list image \" >\n                <span>Browse and upload image here <\/span>\n                                    <form method=\"post\">\n                        <input type=\"file\" name=\"image[]\" aria-label=\"Search an Image\" aria-required=\"true\" accept=\"image\/*\"  data-js-r=\"search.input.image_single\">\n                        <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val\">Start Here: Search an Image<\/label>\n                        <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"search_type\" value=\"4\" \/>\n                    <\/form>                \n                                    <div class=\"file-progress-wrapper\">\n                    <div class=\"file-progress-value\">Uploading...<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"file-progress\">\n                        <div class=\"file-progress-value\">Uploading...<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <label class=\"scf-tooltip-val anim\" style=\"display: block;\"><\/label>\n        \n                    <\/div>\n        <div class=\"col-sm-2 text-center\">\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"go\"  data-js-r=\"search.go\">Search<\/button>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- Bulk -->\n       \n    <p class=\"respect-privacy\"><span class=\"si-secured-fill\"><\/span> We Respect Your Privacy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<script>\n    var uploaded_images = [];\n<\/script><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A tech support scam takes control of your device, locks you out of accounts, and exposes your personal data. In 2023, victims lost $3.4 billion, with seniors being five times more likely to fall for this scam.&nbsp; But these scams are getting worse with AI-generated voices, deepfake tech, and fake Microsoft support pages.&nbsp; Let\u2019s break [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":33837,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-33817","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-scams"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Tech-Support-Scam-Protect-Your-Devices-and-Data.png","author_info":{"display_name":"David McClellan","author_link":"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/author\/david-m\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Tech Support Scam: Protect Your Devices and Data | Social Catfish<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Falling for a tech support scam can cost you money and data. 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