Scammers may call you directly on the phone and pretend to be representatives of a tech company. They might even spoof the caller ID so that it displays a legitimate support phone number from a trusted company. They’ll probably ask you to install applications that give them remote access to your device. Using remote access, these experienced scammers can misrepresent normal system messages as signs of problems.

Scammers might also initiate contact by displaying fake error messages on websites you visit, displaying support numbers and enticing you to call. They may also put your browser in full screen mode and display pop-up messages that won’t go away, apparently locking your browser. These fake error messages aim to scare you into calling their “technical support hotline”.

Beware of:

1. Urgent pop-ups warning you that your computer has a serious problem, telling you not to turn it off, and giving you a phone number to call. Real error messages do not include phone numbers to call for support.

DO Restart your device immediately. DON’T Call the number or click any links.

2. Unsolicited phone calls or messages warning you they’ve spotted a critical problem with your computer or account that they need to fix.

DO Delete the suspicious messages. If it’s a call, ask for their full name and hang up. If you’re going to call back, use the phone number on their official website, on the back of your membership card, or on a recent statement.

DON’T Click any links or call any numbers in the message. DON’T Give the caller remote access to your computer or any personal information like passwords or account numbers.