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Tech Support Scam Global 2023

The Global Tech Support Scam Call Centres

Organised call centres ran fake Microsoft and Apple support scams, defrauding victims of hundreds of millions.

$924 million (US losses reported to IC3, 2023)Total Losses
18,000+ complaints from over-60s aloneVictims Affected
FBI IC3 2023 Elder Fraud Report / MicrosoftSource

Timeline: How It Unfolded

Ongoing (years)

Call centres employ hundreds of operators who cold-call victims or wait for victims to call numbers displayed on fake "your computer is infected" pop-up ads.

The call

The "technician" tells the victim their computer has been compromised and convinces them to install remote access software (AnyDesk, TeamViewer).

The "diagnosis"

With remote access, the scammer shows the victim normal Windows processes and claims they're viruses. They run commands that produce alarming-looking (but harmless) output.

The "fix"

The scammer pretends to fix the issues. They may install a worthless "antivirus" program or simply run Windows built-in tools. They charge $200-$500 for the "service."

The escalation

In advanced versions, scammers access the victim's bank account via remote control, manipulate the HTML to show a fake "overpayment," and ask the victim to return the difference — stealing thousands.

October 2023

Indian police, working with Microsoft and the FBI, raid multiple call centres across India, arresting dozens of operators.

How the Scam Worked

  • Fake pop-up warnings on websites or in browser ads display a phone number and a scary message like "VIRUS DETECTED — CALL MICROSOFT IMMEDIATELY."
  • The pop-up is designed to be hard to close (full-screen, disable the X button), making victims feel their computer is truly compromised.
  • Operators follow detailed scripts and are trained to sound professional and sympathetic.
  • Remote access gives the scammer full control — they can read files, access bank accounts, and install actual malware.
  • The "refund" variant manipulates on-screen banking to trick victims into voluntarily sending money.

Red Flags That Were Missed

Microsoft, Apple, and Google never call you about computer problems and never display phone numbers in pop-up warnings
Real antivirus software doesn't lock your screen or demand you call a number
Remote access should never be given to someone who contacted you
Legitimate tech support doesn't charge $200+ for fixing a virus
No one can detect a virus on your personal computer remotely

What You Should Learn From This

If you see a scary pop-up with a phone number, close the browser (Ctrl+Alt+Delete → Task Manager if needed). Never call the number.
Microsoft, Apple, and Google will never call you or display phone numbers in pop-ups. Their real support is found through their official websites.
Never install remote access software at someone else's request.
If someone has had remote access to your computer, change all passwords from a different device and run a real antivirus scan.
Windows Defender (built into Windows) is a perfectly good antivirus — you don't need to buy additional protection from a caller.

Outcome

Dozens of arrests have been made across multiple countries. The FBI's IC3 reported tech support fraud as the number one crime type targeting people over 60, with nearly 18,000 complaints and close to $600 million in losses from elderly victims alone in 2023. Microsoft's 2021 survey found 59% of consumers globally had been exposed to tech support scams. New call centres continue to emerge, making ongoing vigilance essential.