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Tech support scam

Pop-ups or calls claiming your computer is infected, asking for remote access.

Senior

How it works

A pop-up or cold call claims to be from Microsoft, Apple or Telstra. They ask you to install AnyDesk or TeamViewer, then 'show' you fake viruses and charge hundreds for a 'fix' — or quietly empty your bank account.

Common scenarios to watch for

This scam shows up in several different shapes. Recognise the pattern, not just one message.

Reporting locationHotlines on the printed checklist will match this location.

Browser-lock pop-up

A full-screen pop-up plays an alarm and claims Microsoft has locked your PC. The number connects to a scam call centre.

"Microsoft Defender: 5 viruses detected. Do not restart. Call 1800-xxx-xxx within 5 minutes."

Red flags to spot

Is a pop-up blocking your screen and playing an alarm sound?
Does it claim to be from Microsoft, Apple, or Norton but you've never contacted them?
Are you being told not to restart or close the browser?
Does it display a phone number to call for help?

'Apple iCloud' breach call

A robocall says your iCloud has been compromised and someone is uploading photos from your account. You're transferred to 'security' who asks for your Apple ID code.

"This is Apple Support. Your iCloud was accessed from Russia. Press 1 to secure your account."

Red flags to spot

Did you receive an unsolicited call about your Apple account?
Are they asking for your Apple ID password or a verification code?
Did they transfer you to 'security' who then asks for remote access?
Is the caller using fear (unauthorised access, photos leaked)?

Refund overpayment scam

A 'support' email says your antivirus subscription auto-renewed at $499. The 'refund' agent uses remote access to 'transfer' too much money — then asks you to wire back the overpayment.

"Norton: auto-renewal of $499 processed. To cancel and refund, call 1800-xxx and quote ID #NRT-9920."

Red flags to spot

Did you receive an email about an auto-renewal you didn't authorise?
Is the refund process requiring remote access to your computer?
Did they 'accidentally' refund too much and ask you to send the difference back?
Are they asking for bank details or gift cards to process the refund?

Red flags

🚩Unsolicited call about your computer
🚩Asked to install remote-access software
🚩Payment via gift card, crypto or wire transfer
🚩Pop-up with a phone number and a siren sound

What to do

1Hang up — Microsoft, Apple and Telstra never call you about viruses.
2Close the browser. If it won't close, restart the computer.
3If you gave remote access, disconnect from the internet and run a virus scan.

Who's targeted

Seniors and less tech-confident users.
Anyone who lands on a scary browser pop-up while browsing.

Why it works

Loud alarms and 'Microsoft' branding induce panic.
Remote access lets scammers 'prove' the threat by showing harmless system files.

Common variations

Different shapes of the same scam — recognise the pattern.

1Cold call claiming to be from Telstra/Microsoft.
2Pop-up with siren and a 1800 phone number.
3Fake antivirus download from a sponsored search result.

If you've already been scammed

1Disconnect from the internet and uninstall any remote-access software (AnyDesk, TeamViewer).
2Change passwords from a different, clean device — banking first.
3Run a full antivirus scan or take the device to a trusted repairer.