Phone scams · 4 min read

Tech support scam calls and pop-ups

Short answer

A pop-up locks your screen with a warning and a phone number, or someone calls claiming to be Microsoft or Apple support. They ask for remote access and payment. Real tech companies do not show pop-ups with phone numbers or make unsolicited support calls.

How it works

The FTC says legitimate companies do not display pop-up warnings asking you to call about viruses (FTC). In March 2024 it warned about a newer version: the "technician" claims your bank account is compromised and hands you to fake bank or government agents who drain your savings (FTC).

Look up the number that contacted you

Carrier, line type and location are free. Private: nobody is notified.

What to do

  1. Do not call the number. Close the browser (force-quit if needed) and restart.
  2. Never give remote access to someone who contacted you.
  3. If you gave access: disconnect from the internet, run legitimate security software, change passwords from another device, and call your bank.
  4. Report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Questions

Does Microsoft call people about viruses?

No. Unsolicited support calls claiming to be Microsoft or Apple are scams.

Who is behind that number?

Search a name, phone number or email to see public profiles and records.

Sources

Keep reading

Published 2026-10-28 by the TrueSearch Safety Team. General information, not legal advice. In an emergency call 911.

TrueSearch is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Do not use TrueSearch or anything on this page to make decisions about employment, housing or tenant screening, credit, insurance, or any other FCRA-covered purpose. Results come from publicly available information and licensed telecom data and may be incomplete or out of date.