Scam safety and safer tech
Tech Support Scam Safety: What to Do Before You Click, Call, or Pay
Scammers often pretend to be Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, a bank, a phone carrier, or a local tech support company. They may use scary pop-ups, urgent phone calls, fake invoices, or remote-access tools to pressure you. Pause first.
1. Do not call the number on a scary pop-up
A fake warning may say your computer is infected and give a phone number. Close the browser tab or restart the device. If the warning comes back, ask a trusted person to check it before calling any number on the screen.
2. Never give remote access to an unexpected caller
Legitimate companies do not randomly call and ask to control your computer or phone. If someone called you first and wants remote access, passwords, gift cards, wire transfers, crypto, or bank login details, treat it as a major red flag.
3. Verify through a known, official source
If the message claims to be from a bank, carrier, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, or a government agency, use the official app, website, statement, or card on file. Do not use links or phone numbers from the suspicious message.
4. If you already clicked, act quickly but calmly
Disconnect from the internet if someone has remote access, change important passwords from a different device, contact your bank if payment details were shared, and consider asking a trusted tech helper to check for remote-access software.
5. Make a family safety plan before a crisis
Agree on who to call before paying money or sharing passwords. A simple rule helps: if someone creates panic and demands immediate payment, stop and call a trusted family member, caregiver, bank, or local non-emergency resource first.
6. Save trusted phone numbers ahead of time
Keep official bank, carrier, doctor, family, and local non-emergency numbers in contacts or on paper. During a scary popup or call, use those known numbers instead of whatever appears on screen.
7. Ask for a second opinion before paying
If a tech problem suddenly involves gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, bank transfers, or urgent invoices, stop. A trusted second opinion can prevent a costly mistake.
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Friendly Setup helps San Diego households with phones, computers, WiFi, printers, smart TVs, passwords, account safety, apps, and everyday home technology.
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