Tech support scams are one of the most common ways criminals target older adults. These scams are designed to create fear and urgency, tricking you into believing something is wrong with your computer, phone, or online accounts.
A typical scam begins with a pop-up message on your screen claiming your device is infected with a virus. It may include a loud alarm sound and a phone number to call for “immediate help.”
In other cases, you might receive an unexpected telephone call from someone claiming to be from a well-known company like Microsoft or Apple. They may say they’ve detected suspicious activity on your device.
Once you engage, the scammer will often ask you to grant remote access to your computer. This allows them to control your device, install harmful software, or search for sensitive information like passwords and banking details.
They may then demand payment to “fix” the problem, often requesting gift cards, wire transfers, or even cryptocurrency. These are major red flags.
Here’s the truth: Legitimate tech companies do not contact you out of the blue to fix problems, and they will never ask for payment in gift cards or demand immediate action.
To protect yourself:
1. Never call telephone numbers from pop-ups or unsolicited messages.
2. Do not allow remote access unless you initiated the request with a trusted provider.
3. Take a moment to pause. Scammers rely on panic
4. If unsure, contact a family member, trusted friend or even The Vegas Voice before taking action
If you encounter one of these scams, close your browser or hang up immediately. Staying calm and cautious is your best defense.
