In one sentence: A tech support scam is when someone pretends to be computer help to scare you into paying or giving them access to your computer.
Why it matters: It often starts with a fake pop-up that tells you to call a number, or with an unexpected call or text. A real security warning never asks you to call a phone number. Real tech companies do not contact you to say your computer has a problem.
One thing to do: If a pop-up or a caller says your computer has a problem, hang up and call the company on a number you find yourself.
Related terms: impersonation scam, social engineering, vishing
Checked: 25 Oct 2026.
