Phone Call From "Microsoft" About Your Computer — It's a Scam
Someone called you claiming to be from Microsoft saying your computer is infected with a virus or has been hacked. They want you to give them remote access to fix it. Microsoft never makes unsolicited phone calls about computer problems. If you give access, they will install malware or steal your banking information.
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How This Scam Works
Critical Risk — Microsoft Never Makes Unsolicited Phone Calls
Microsoft does not make unsolicited phone calls about computer problems. If someone calls claiming to be from Microsoft, it is a scam.
Note: This scam typically arrives via phone call, not email. If you received a suspicious email, forward it to check@scam.support for a free risk assessment. For phone scams, report to the FTC — see all reporting agencies.
Someone calls you claiming to be from Microsoft saying your computer is infected with a virus, has been hacked, or is sending error reports. They ask you to give them remote access to fix it, often by directing you to download a remote access tool. Once connected, they may install malware, steal files, or access your banking information. Some variants charge you hundreds of dollars for a fake "repair."
According to the FTC, tech support scams were consistently among the top fraud types reported, with the FTC receiving hundreds of thousands of reports annually. Microsoft itself has stated that it does not make unsolicited phone calls to provide technical support.
Red Flags
- Unsolicited call from someone claiming to be Microsoft
- Claims your computer is infected or sending error reports
- Asks you to download remote access software like AnyDesk or TeamViewer
- Asks for payment to fix the supposed problem
- Creates urgency — your data is at risk right now
What You Should Do
What To Do
- Hang up immediately
- Never give remote access to your computer to someone who called you
- If you gave access, disconnect from the internet and run a full antivirus scan
- Change your banking and email passwords from a different device
- Report to the FTC and Microsoft
Sources
- FTC — How to spot, avoid, and report tech support scams
- Microsoft Support — Avoid and report Microsoft technical support scams