How to spot fake tech support

Warning signs of a fake virus alert or cold call claiming to be from a technology company.

By AlertaSpam Security Team. Published August 7, 2026

The classic version is a browser pop-up — often with an alarm sound and a countdown — claiming your device is infected and showing a phone number to call for 'Microsoft' or 'Apple support'. No legitimate operating system or browser detects a virus and tells you to call a phone number.

A related version is a cold call from someone claiming to be from your internet provider or a security company, saying they've detected a problem with your connection or device and need remote access to fix it. Legitimate providers do not proactively call you this way.

If you see the pop-up, do not call the number or click anything inside it — close the browser using your device's task manager or force-quit function if it won't close normally, then run a scan using security software you chose and installed yourself.

Never install remote-access software or read out a one-time code for someone who contacted you first. If you already granted access, disconnect from the internet, run a security scan, and change your passwords from a separate, unaffected device.