Microsoft Tech Support Scam
CONFIRMED THREAT
Scammers pose as Microsoft claiming your computer is infected. Microsoft never makes unsolicited calls. FBI IC3: 36,002 complaints, $1.46B losses in 2024.
phonewebsite
→5 confirmed active threats
💻Tech Support Scams
Tech support scams caused $1.46B in losses in 2024 (+58% from 2023). Scammers pose as Microsoft, Norton, or Geek Squad. They gain remote access, then steal from bank accounts or demand gift card payment. Seniors 60+ are devastated by this category — losing $982M (67% of all tech support losses).
$1.5Bin reported losses, 2024(IC3)36 002 complaints↑ 58% vs 2023
5
Patterns Documented
5
Confirmed Threats
0
High Risk
$16.6B
Reported Losses, 2024 (IC3)
Data sourced from FBI IC3 2024 Annual Report. Data reflects complaints submitted to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and may not represent all incidents. ZeroScam is an educational tool and is not affiliated with the FBI.
Filter by Category
Clear filter ×All Patterns (85)₿ Cryptocurrency Scams(4)$6.6B💳 Payment & BEC Scams(9)$2.8B💻 Tech Support Scams(5)$1.5B🔓 Personal Data Breach(2)$1.5B🛒 Online Purchase Scams(5)💔 Romance Scams(3)🏛️ Government Impersonation(6)🏢 Corporate Data Breach(3)💼 Job & Employment Scams(6)🏧 Crypto ATM & Kiosk Scams(3)🥇 Gold Courier Scams(2)🪪 Identity Theft(3)🏠 Rental Scams(2)🔒 Extortion & Blackmail(1)🎰 Prize & Lottery Scams(1)🎣 Phishing & Smishing(3)📦 Delivery & Shipping Scams(4)🎭 Impersonation Scams(4)🤖 AI-Powered Scams(5)📱 Social Media Scams(2)📞 Telemarketing Scams(1)🏥 Healthcare Scams(1)🏦 Financial Service Scams(2)🔧 Service Provider Scams(2)🎗️ Charity Scams(1)🗳️ Election & Civic Scams(2)🧬 Synthetic Identity Fraud(2)🔄 Recovery Scams(1)
Threat Levels
CONFIRMED THREAT— Actively reported to FBI IC3
HIGH RISK— Significant victim reports
EMERGING— Recently identified pattern
Fake Norton Renewal Scam
CONFIRMED THREAT
Fake emails show Norton charged $300-$500 for renewal. Calling the number leads to remote access fraud and banking theft.
email
→Fake Geek Squad Invoice Scam
CONFIRMED THREAT
Scam emails show fake Best Buy Geek Squad charges of $300-$500. Calling leads to remote access fraud.
email
→Fake Amazon Prime Renewal Scam
CONFIRMED THREAT
Scam calls/emails claim Prime renewing at inflated price ($300-$500). Amazon Prime is actually $139/year.
phoneemail
→Tech Support Refund Overpayment Scam
CONFIRMED THREAT
After fake tech support "service," scammers claim they accidentally refunded too much and demand you return the "excess" via gift cards.
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→Common Questions About Tech Support Scams
Does Microsoft call about viruses?▼
Never. Microsoft doesn't make unsolicited calls. Any such call is 100% a scam. Hang up immediately.
I got a Norton invoice I didn't order — scam?▼
Almost certainly. Don't call the number. Check your bank for actual charges. Log into norton.com directly.
What if I gave a scammer remote access?▼
Disconnect internet immediately. Run antivirus. Change all passwords from different device. Check bank accounts. Consider professional help.
How do I close a fake virus popup?▼
Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete (Windows) or Cmd+Option+Esc (Mac) to force quit browser. Don't call any number shown.
📖 How to Use This Database
- ✓Browse patterns to learn scammer tactics before you encounter them
- ✓Share specific pattern pages with family members who may be targeted
- ✓Use our scanner to check suspicious messages against all 85 patterns
- ✓Report scams to FBI IC3 and FTC using links on each pattern page
⚖️ Important Information
This database is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Pattern data is derived from publicly available FBI IC3 reports and ongoing research.
ZeroScam does not guarantee detection of all scams. Always exercise caution and verify independently before sending money or personal information.
Not legal or financial advice. If you have been victimized, contact local law enforcement and file reports with FBI IC3 and FTC.
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73% of Americans report being targeted(Pew Research, 2025 survey)
|$470M reported in text-related fraud(FTC, 2024)
|$16.6B in total reported losses(FBI IC3, 2024)