Fake support: do not hand control to a stranger

Guidance reviewed on 11 November 2026.

A warning window claims your computer is infected and displays a number to call immediately. Alternatively, a caller names a company you use and says your account is in danger. In a technical support scam, the objective may be selling a nonexistent repair, stealing credentials or persuading you to give a criminal remote access to the device.

Do not call the number shown in the warning or follow instructions simply because the speaker sounds confident. Close the page where possible and initiate contact through the company's familiar website or application. Caller identification is not proof of identity. Do not move money to a supposed safe account specified by an unexpected caller.

Be especially cautious about requests to install remote control software, disable protections or sign in to your financial account while sharing your screen. Remote tools have legitimate uses, but granting them to an unverified stranger can expose files, messages and payment information. Do not provide a password or login code to prove that you own the computer.

If access was already granted, end the session and disconnect when necessary, then obtain help from a trusted provider to assess the device. Change affected passwords from a safe device and contact your payment provider about unauthorized transactions. Preserve incident details for reporting; removing the remote application alone does not establish that every consequence has been resolved.