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Tech support / phantom hacker scams
Last updated
Also known as: Microsoft support scam, virus pop-up scam, phantom hacker
What it looks like
Criminals pose as tech or customer support for banks, utilities, antivirus, or crypto exchanges. They claim a device or account issue, push urgency, demand remote access, and seek payment by wire, gift card, or crypto.
Who it targets
Anyone with a computer or online accounts; often older adults.
Red flags
- Unsolicited call or pop-up about a virus or account problem
- Request for remote access to your computer
- Payment demanded by gift card, wire, or cryptocurrency
- Pressure to act immediately
What to do if you clicked, paid, or replied
- Do not call numbers from pop-ups or grant remote access
- Contact the real company using a number from its official site
- Report at ic3.gov
Still circulating?
Ongoing FBI-documented category; includes growing ‘phantom hacker’ variants.
Primary source: FBI · None
Educational summary only. Verify details on the source page. Report fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or ic3.gov.