How to Spot Fake Tech Support Scams | Knowledge Base

What Are Tech Support Scams?

Tech support scams trick people into believing their computer has a serious problem, then charge hundreds of dollars for unnecessary "repairs" or steal personal information. These scams are extremely common in Australia and target people of all ages.

Common Types of Tech Support Scams

The Phone Call Scam

Someone calls you claiming to be from:

"Microsoft" or "Windows Support"

"Telstra" or your internet provider

"The Australian Tax Office"

A well-known antivirus company

**They'll say things like:**

"We've detected a virus on your computer"

"Your computer has been hacked"

"Your licence has expired"

"Your internet will be disconnected"

**Remember:** Microsoft, Telstra, and the ATO will **never** call you unsolicited about computer problems.

The Pop-Up Scam

While browsing the internet, a scary-looking pop-up appears saying:

"YOUR COMPUTER IS INFECTED!"

"CALL THIS NUMBER IMMEDIATELY"

"DO NOT TURN OFF YOUR COMPUTER"

Fake virus scan results showing dozens of "threats"

**These are fake.** Real security software never tells you to call a phone number.

The Email/SMS Scam

You receive an email or text message:

"Your subscription has been renewed for $499.99 - call to cancel"

"Unauthorised login detected - call support immediately"

"Your computer needs urgent security update"

How the Scam Works

**First contact** - They reach you via phone, pop-up, or email

**Create fear** - They convince you there's a serious problem

**Remote access** - They ask you to install remote control software (AnyDesk, TeamViewer, etc.)

**Fake evidence** - They show you normal system files and claim they're viruses

**Payment** - They demand payment via gift cards, bank transfer, or cryptocurrency

**Ongoing access** - They may install actual malware for future scams

Red Flags to Watch For

**Unsolicited contact** - You didn't ask for help

**Urgency and pressure** - "You must act NOW"

**Request for remote access** - They want to control your computer

**Payment by gift cards** - No legitimate company accepts iTunes or Google Play cards as payment

**Threats** - "Your files will be deleted" or "You'll be fined"

**Requesting banking details** - To "verify" your identity or process a "refund"

What to Do

If You Receive a Suspicious Call

**Hang up** - Don't engage in conversation

**Don't call back** any numbers they give you

**Block the number** on your phone

If You See a Scary Pop-Up

**Don't call the number** displayed

**Don't click anything** in the pop-up

Close your browser: press **Alt + F4** or **Ctrl + W**

If the browser won't close, press **Ctrl + Alt + Delete** and use Task Manager to end the browser

Clear your browser history and cache

If You've Already Been Scammed

Act quickly:

**Disconnect from the internet** immediately

**Change your passwords** from a different device - start with email and banking

**Contact your bank** if you shared financial details or made a payment

**Uninstall remote access software** (AnyDesk, TeamViewer, etc.)

**Report it** to ScamWatch (scamwatch.gov.au) and ReportCyber

**Get your computer checked** - they may have installed malware

Don't feel embarrassed if you've been scammed. These criminals are professional con artists, and thousands of Australians fall victim every year.

**Think you've been scammed?** Bring your computer to Midland Computers immediately. We specialise in scam victim device cleanups - we'll remove any remote access software, check for malware, and make sure your computer is safe.