They called claiming to be from Microsoft. The pop-up said her computer was infected. The email looked official. And just like that, $3,000 disappeared from her bank account.
If you’re reading this, you or someone you love has probably encountered a tech support scam—or you’re worried it might happen. You’re not alone. In 2024, Canadians lost over $10 million to tech support scams, and seniors remain the primary target. These scammers are getting more sophisticated, more convincing, and more aggressive.
But here’s the good news: once you know what to look for, these scams become easy to spot.
As someone who’s helped hundreds of Lethbridge residents recover from and prevent tech support scams, I’ve seen every trick in the book. Today, I’m sharing the 10 warning signs that should immediately raise red flags—plus simple steps you can take right now to protect yourself and your loved ones.
1. Unsolicited Phone Calls Claiming to Be from Tech Companies
The Scam: You receive a call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft, Apple, Norton, or your internet provider. They say they’ve detected a problem with your computer and need remote access to fix it.
The Reality: Legitimate tech companies never make unsolicited calls about your computer. Microsoft doesn’t monitor your PC. Apple doesn’t call about viruses. If you didn’t initiate contact, it’s a scam.
What to Do: Hang up immediately. Don’t engage, don’t press any buttons, and don’t provide any information. If you’re concerned there might be a real issue, contact the company directly using a phone number from their official website—not the number the caller provided.
2. Urgent Pop‑Up Warnings That Won’t Go Away
The Scam: A full-screen pop‑up appears claiming your computer is infected, locked, or compromised. It includes loud alarms, a phone number to call, and urgent language like “DO NOT TURN OFF YOUR COMPUTER” or “CALL IMMEDIATELY.”
The Reality: Real antivirus alerts are small notifications in the corner of your screen—never full-screen takeovers with phone numbers. These pop‑ups are designed to panic you into calling scammers.
What to Do: Don’t call the number. Close your browser using Alt+F4 (Windows) or Command+Q (Mac). If the pop‑up won’t close, restart your computer. If you’re still concerned, contact a local trusted technician like Y‑Not Tech Services at (403) 915‑8574.
3. Requests for Remote Access to Your Computer
The Scam: The caller or pop‑up instructs you to download software like TeamViewer, AnyDesk, or LogMeIn so they can “fix” your computer remotely.
The Reality: Once scammers have remote access, they can steal passwords, install malware, access your banking, and lock you out of your own computer.
What to Do: Never grant remote access to someone who contacted you first. Only allow remote access when you initiate contact with a trusted, verified technician.
4. Pressure to Pay Immediately via Gift Cards or Wire Transfer
The Scam: After “diagnosing” fake problems, scammers demand immediate payment—often $300–$500—via gift cards (iTunes, Google Play, Amazon), wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
The Reality: No legitimate business asks for payment in gift cards. This is the clearest red flag of all.
What to Do: Refuse any request for gift card payment. Legitimate services accept credit cards, checks, or e‑transfers with proper receipts and invoicing.
5. Claims That Your Computer Is Sending Error Messages to Them
The Scam: The caller says your computer has been sending error reports or virus alerts directly to their company, which is why they’re calling.
The Reality: Your computer doesn’t send automatic alerts to third parties. This is technically impossible without software you’ve deliberately installed.
What to Do: Recognize this as a lie and end the conversation immediately.
6. Fake “Refund” Scams from Previous Tech Support
The Scam: You receive a call claiming you’re owed a refund from a tech support service you used (or supposedly used). They ask for your banking information to process the refund, then claim they “accidentally” deposited too much and need you to send money back.
The Reality: They manipulate your online banking screen to make it look like they deposited money, but they didn’t. Any money you “send back” comes from your own account.
What to Do: Never provide banking credentials over the phone. If you’re owed a legitimate refund, contact the company directly using verified contact information.
7. Scare Tactics About Expired Subscriptions or Licenses
The Scam: An email or call warns that your antivirus, Windows license, or security software has expired and you’ll be charged hundreds of dollars unless you call to cancel.
The Reality: Legitimate subscription renewals happen automatically or through official emails with links to the company’s real website—never through phone calls demanding immediate action.
What to Do: Check your subscriptions directly through your account on the official website. Don’t click links in suspicious emails or call numbers provided in them.
8. Use of Technical Jargon to Confuse You
The Scam: The scammer uses complex technical terms like “IP address compromised,” “firewall breach,” or “DNS server error” to sound legitimate and make you feel like you need their expert help.
The Reality: Real technicians explain problems in simple, understandable language. Scammers use jargon to intimidate and confuse.
What to Do: If someone can’t explain the problem in plain English, they’re either incompetent or a scammer. Ask for clarification, and if they become defensive or more confusing, end the conversation.
9. Requests for Personal Information or Passwords
The Scam: During the call or remote session, they ask for passwords, Social Insurance Numbers, credit card details, or banking credentials—claiming they need this to “verify your identity” or “complete the fix.”
The Reality: Legitimate technicians never need your passwords or personal financial information to fix computer problems.
What to Do: Never share passwords, PINs, or financial information with anyone who contacts you. If a technician needs access to your computer, they can do so without your passwords.
10. Follow‑Up Calls After You’ve Hung Up
The Scam: After you hang up on a scammer, they call back repeatedly—sometimes pretending to be from law enforcement or your bank—to intimidate you into compliance.
The Reality: This is harassment designed to wear down your resistance. Real companies respect your decision to end a call.
What to Do: Block the number. Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. If harassment continues, report it to the Canadian Anti‑Fraud Centre at 1‑888‑495‑8501.
How to Protect Yourself: 5 Simple Steps
Now that you know the warning signs, here’s how to stay protected:
- Never trust unsolicited contact. If you didn’t initiate the call or click on a trusted link, assume it’s a scam.
- Install legitimate antivirus software. Real protection runs quietly in the background—no pop‑ups, no phone numbers, no panic.
- Use a professional monitoring service. Services like Y‑Not’s Gold Plus Cybersecurity Suite actively block scam websites and remote takeover tools before they can reach you.
- Verify before you trust. If someone claims to be from a company, hang up and call the official number yourself.
- Talk about it. Share this information with friends and family. Scammers rely on isolation and embarrassment—awareness is your best defense.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you’ve already fallen victim to a tech support scam, don’t panic—and don’t feel ashamed. These criminals are professionals, and even tech‑savvy people get caught.
Take these steps immediately:
- Disconnect from the internet to prevent further access
- Change all passwords from a different, secure device
- Contact your bank to report fraudulent charges and freeze accounts if necessary
- Run a full antivirus scan or contact a trusted local technician
- Report the scam to the Canadian Anti‑Fraud Centre (1‑888‑495‑8501) and local police
- Monitor your credit for signs of identity theft
And remember: one scam can cost more than five years of professional protection.
The Bottom Line: You Don’t Have to Face This Alone
Tech support scams are designed to exploit trust, create panic, and isolate victims. But when you know what to look for—and have the right protection in place—you can browse, bank, and communicate online with confidence.
At Y‑Not Tech Services, I’ve built my business on one simple principle: honest, jargon‑free tech support that puts your safety first. Whether you need help recovering from a scam, want to learn how to spot the warning signs, or are looking for professional monitoring to prevent scams before they happen, I’m here to help.
Because in 2025, staying safe online shouldn’t feel complicated—it should feel like having a trusted friend watching your back.
Need Help Staying Safe?
📞 Call the Scam Check Hotline: (403) 915‑8574
🌐 Learn More: www.ynottechservices.com
📧 Email: tony@ynottechservices.com
Serving Lethbridge and surrounding areas with on‑site support, plus remote assistance across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and beyond.
