Tech-support and phone scams
Tech-support scams try to convince you that your computer or account has a problem so you'll pay, give out information or let a stranger control your computer. They are aimed at businesses and home users alike, and they often sound very convincing.
Fake pop-up warnings
A web page suddenly fills your screen saying your computer is infected or "locked", sometimes with a loud alarm or a voice, and tells you to call a phone number immediately.
- Real virus warnings from Windows or macOS never include a phone number to call.
- The page is just a website. It can't harm your computer by itself.
What to do:
- Don't call the number and don't click anything on the page.
- Close the browser. If it won't close, on Windows press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, select the browser and click End task. On a Mac, press Command + Option + Esc, select the browser and click Force Quit.
- If the page opens again when you restart the browser, choose not to restore the previous tabs.
- If you're still worried, let us know and we'll check the computer.
Calls claiming to be Microsoft, Apple or your bank
- Microsoft and Apple don't make unsolicited calls to tell you your computer has a problem.
- Callers may already know your name or address. That information is easy to find and doesn't prove anything.
- Caller ID can be faked. A call that shows your bank's name or number may not be your bank.
- Bank "fraud departments" that ask you to move money to a "safe account", or to read them a code sent by text, are scammers.
Gift cards and unusual payments
No legitimate company, government agency or tech support service asks to be paid with gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers or payment apps to fix a problem. If anyone asks for gift card codes, it's a scam, every time. This also applies to emails or texts that seem to come from your boss.
Remote access requests
Scammers often ask you to install a remote access program (such as AnyDesk, TeamViewer or similar tools) or visit a website to "let them in". Once connected, they can steal files, install malware or open your online banking.
Elite Tech Force will never call you out of the blue asking for remote access to your computer, and we will never ask for your password. If you get a call like that, even if the caller says they're from our team, hang up and contact us through our support portal.
How to verify
- Hang up or close the message. You can always call back later.
- Contact the company using a number or website you already know: the number on the back of your bank card, a past statement, or the company's official website typed in yourself. Never use the number the caller or pop-up gave you.
- For anything tech-related, open a ticket at support.elitechforce.com or email [email protected] and ask us whether it's real.
If you already let someone in or paid
- Disconnect the computer from the internet (unplug the cable and turn off Wi-Fi).
- From a different device, change the passwords for your email, banking and any accounts you used while they were connected.
- Call your bank or card issuer right away if you shared payment details or sent money.
- Contact us so we can check the computer and remove any remote access software.
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Share this article with family members, especially older relatives. Scammers often target people who are less comfortable with technology.
