Tech support scams are one of the most common online cons in Australia, and they work because they target something genuine: the worry that something is wrong with your device. A convincing warning appears, a calm-sounding "technician" offers to help, and before long you've handed over remote access to your computer or your bank details. The good news is that these scams follow a predictable script. Once you know the moves, they're easy to spot.
How the scam usually starts
Most tech support scams begin in one of three ways:
- A pop-up warning. While browsing, a full-screen message claims your computer is "infected" or "locked", often with a loud alarm and a phone number to call. It may pretend to be from Microsoft, Apple or your internet provider.
- An unexpected phone call. Someone rings claiming to be from a well-known tech company, saying they've "detected a problem" with your device or internet connection.
- An email or text. A message about a "security breach", an "expiring subscription" or a "refund" pushes you to call a number or click a link.
The common thread is urgency. Scammers want you anxious and acting quickly, before you have time to think it through or ask someone you trust.
The warning signs
Genuine companies almost never behave the way scammers do. Be on alert if any of the following happen:
- You're contacted out of the blue. Microsoft, Apple, Google and Telstra do not monitor your personal computer and call you about viruses. They simply don't work that way.
- You're told to act immediately. Real support staff are patient. Pressure to "stay on the line" or "fix it right now" is a manipulation tactic.
- You're asked to install software. Scammers love remote-access tools like AnyDesk or TeamViewer because they hand over full control of your machine.
- The payment method is unusual. Requests for gift cards, cryptocurrency, bank transfers or vouchers are a dead giveaway. No legitimate business is paid in iTunes cards.
- They already "know" there's a problem. A pop-up cannot scan your computer, and a stranger on the phone cannot see your error messages.
What to do if it happens to you
If a scary pop-up appears, don't call the number and don't click anything inside it. Close the browser tab, or if the page won't close, shut the browser down entirely. On Windows you can press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and end the browser task; on a Mac, use Force Quit from the Apple menu. The pop-up cannot actually harm your computer on its own — it only becomes dangerous if you act on it.
If you receive a phone call, simply hang up. You're never obligated to stay on the line, and you don't need to confirm any details. If you're worried the call might be real, look up the company's official number yourself and ring them directly.
If you've already let them in
It happens to careful people, so don't be embarrassed. Act quickly:
- Disconnect from the internet to cut off remote access — unplug the ethernet cable or switch off Wi-Fi.
- Change your passwords from a different, trusted device, starting with your email and banking.
- Call your bank if you shared any financial details or made a payment. They can monitor or freeze accounts.
- Uninstall any software the scammer asked you to install, and run a full security scan.
- Report it to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au), which helps authorities track and warn others.
Building good habits
A few simple habits keep most of these scams at arm's length:
- Keep your operating system and browser up to date so genuine security warnings come from the system itself, not a web page.
- Treat unsolicited contact with healthy suspicion, even if the caller is friendly and knows your name.
- Never give remote access to anyone you didn't contact first through an official channel.
- Talk it through with a family member or friend before acting — scammers rely on isolating you.
When you'd rather have a real person check
If something on your computer genuinely seems off, or you're not sure whether a message was real, it's completely reasonable to want a trusted human to take a look. A HelloTech technician can come to your home, check your device for anything suspicious, remove unwanted software and make sure your accounts are secure — with no pressure and clear, upfront pricing. There's never any harm in getting peace of mind from someone you can actually meet.