How to Spot Tech Support Scams: A Guide for DFW Families and Seniors

Tech support scams are one of the most common ways criminals target families and older adults. A scammer pretends to be from a well-known company, convinces you something is wrong with your computer, and then asks for money or remote access. This guide explains how to recognize them and what to do.

The most common warning signs

• A pop-up says your computer is infected and tells you to call a phone number right away
• Someone calls you unexpectedly claiming to be from Microsoft, Apple, Amazon or your bank
• You are asked to install a program so they can "fix" your computer remotely
• You are told to pay with gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency
• The person pressures you to act fast or warns that your accounts will be locked

What real companies do not do

Legitimate companies do not call you out of the blue about a virus on your computer. They do not put phone numbers in scary browser pop-ups, and they never ask for payment in gift cards. If you did not contact them first, treat the call or message as suspicious.

What to do if you see a scary pop-up

• Do not call the number on the screen
• Close the browser. If it will not close, restart the computer
• If the pop-up comes back, call someone you trust before doing anything else

What to do if you already gave access or paid

• Disconnect the computer from the internet
• Call your bank or card company and report the charge
• Change passwords for email and banking from a different, trusted device
• Have the computer checked for remote access programs left behind
• Report the scam to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov

Simple habits that keep you safe

• Keep your computer and phone updated automatically
• Use antivirus protection that is monitored
• Let unknown callers go to voicemail
• Agree on a family rule: no one grants remote access without checking with a trusted person first

Get help from someone local

If you are unsure whether a call, email or pop-up is real, ask before you act. Community IT serves homes, businesses and nonprofits across Dallas, Collin, Rockwall, Hunt, Kaufman and Tarrant counties, and we come to you. Our monthly home plans include security monitoring and antivirus protection, so you have someone to call when something looks wrong.