Tech Support Scam
FBI IC3 2024 documents $1.46B in tech support fraud losses. FTC named Geek Squad (Best Buy) the most impersonated tech brand in 2024. The FBI and India's CBI conducted 215+ arrests in 2024 targeting tech support call centers. Adults 60+ are the primary targets.
Reports
$1.46B FBI IC3 losses 2024
First documented
2012
Last active
2026-03
⚠ This page documents a reported scam pattern for educational purposes. Sources are cited for all statistics and claims. ZeroScam is not affiliated with the FTC, FBI, or FCC.
What the scam says
Variant 1 (pop-up): A browser alert claims your computer has a virus. Calls a number that connects to a fake Microsoft or Apple agent who requests remote access via AnyDesk. Variant 2 (cold call): Caller claims your warranty is expiring or your computer has been hacked. Variant 3 (email): Fake invoice for Geek Squad renewal ($399.99) with a callback number.
5 red flags
FBI IC3 2024: tech support fraud caused $1.46B in losses — adults 60+ are primary targets
FBI and India's CBI arrested 215+ call center workers in 2024 for tech support fraud
Legitimate tech companies never cold-call about computer problems
Remote access requests from anyone who called you are always a red flag
FTC named Geek Squad the most impersonated tech brand in 2024 fraud reports
What to do
Never grant remote access to anyone who called you unsolicited
If you already granted access: disconnect internet, run antivirus, change all passwords
Microsoft, Apple, and Best Buy do not call you about computer problems
Report to FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov — select 'imposter scam'
Report this scam
Source
FBI IC3 2024 — tech support fraud $1.46B in losses; FTC Geek Squad scam alert May 2025; FTC $25.5M refund to tech support victims March 2025
https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2024_IC3Report.pdf ↗Specific scam messages in this pattern
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Tech Support Scam?▼
FBI IC3 2024 documents $1.46B in tech support fraud losses. FTC named Geek Squad (Best Buy) the most impersonated tech brand in 2024. The FBI and India's CBI conducted 215+ arrests in 2024 targeting tech support call centers. Adults 60+ are the primary targets.
How do I recognize a Tech Support Scam?▼
Red flags: FBI IC3 2024: tech support fraud caused $1.46B in losses — adults 60+ are primary targets; FBI and India's CBI arrested 215+ call center workers in 2024 for tech support fraud; Legitimate tech companies never cold-call about computer problems.
What should I do if I receive a Tech Support Scam?▼
Never grant remote access to anyone who called you unsolicited If you already granted access: disconnect internet, run antivirus, change all passwords Microsoft, Apple, and Best Buy do not call you about computer problems
How common is the Tech Support Scam?▼
$1.46B FBI IC3 losses 2024. First documented: 2012. Source: FBI IC3 2024 — tech support fraud $1.46B in losses; FTC Geek Squad scam alert May 2025; FTC $25.5M refund to tech support victims March 2025.
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Check your message →Source: FBI IC3 2024 — tech support fraud $1.46B in losses; FTC Geek Squad scam alert May 2025; FTC $25.5M refund to tech support victims March 2025
First documented: 2012 · Last active: 2026-03
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