Phone & Text ScamsStart here6 min read
How to recognize fake tech-support calls
Recognize fake support calls, pop-ups, urgent messages, and payment pressure before money is lost.
Reviewed 2026-07-11 • Intended for Home users, older customers, and families
Key warning
Legitimate support providers do not need gift cards or secret payment instructions.
What this means
Tech support scams try to create panic so you act before thinking. The caller or pop-up may claim to be from a major company, bank, online store, antivirus company, or internet provider.
What to do
- Hang up or close the message if it arrives unexpectedly.
- Do not call numbers shown in scary pop-ups.
- Do not give remote access to unknown people.
- Restart the computer if a browser page will not close.
- Contact a trusted support provider directly.
Common mistakes
- Calling a number from a scary pop-up
- Letting an unknown caller connect remotely
- Paying with gift cards, payment apps, wires, or crypto
What to do next
- Stop the conversation.
- Do not pay.
- Change passwords from a safe device if you already shared information.
When to ask for help
- Someone connected to your computer.
- You paid or shared account details.
- You cannot tell whether the computer is still safe to use.
Need help with this?
Perqline Solutions helps home users and small businesses with remote support, device cleanup, Wi-Fi, account safety basics, and digital systems.