There are several forms of tech support scams, all of which aim to trick you into believing that your computer needs to be fixed and you need to pay for technical support services. You can also report unsafe websites in Microsoft Edge by selecting Settings and More > Help and Feedback > Report unsafe site when you encounter something suspicious.įor urgent situations, use one of the following options:Īnd consider notifying your local law enforcement agency.

Help Microsoft stop scammers, whether they claim to be from Microsoft or not, by reporting tech support scams at: Let them know what happened they'll probably want to cancel and replace your affected cards to prevent the scammers from using them again. Learn how to change your Microsoft account passwordĬall your credit card provider to contest the charges if you've already paid. For more info, see Update Windows.Ĭhange your passwords. To see available updates, select the Start button, then select Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Learn how.Īpply all security updates as soon as they are available. Run a full scan with Windows Security to remove any malware. Note: Performing serious recovery methods like resetting your device can be a bit time-consuming, but this may be your best option in some situations-for example, if fake error codes and messages pop up continually, all but preventing you from using your device. It's on by default and it detects and removes known support scam malware. Use Windows Security real-time antivirus protection in Windows. Also, Microsoft Edge can stop pop-up dialog loops used by these attackers. It blocks known support scam sites using Microsoft Defender SmartScreen. Use Microsoft Edge when browsing the internet. Be wary of downloading software from third-party sites, as some of them might have been modified without the author’s knowledge to bundle malware and other threats. Microsoft technical support will never ask that you pay for support in the form of cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, or gift cards.ĭownload software only from official Microsoft partner websites or the Microsoft Store. Error and warning messages from Microsoft never include a phone number. If a pop-up or error message appears with a phone number, don’t call the number. Any communication with Microsoft has to be initiated by you. Microsoft does not send unsolicited email messages or make unsolicited phone calls to request personal or financial information, or to provide technical support to fix your computer. It is also important to keep the following in mind: How to protect against tech support scamsįirst, be sure to follow these tips on how to keep your computer secure.

For more info, see Stay protected with Windows Security. Note: Windows comes with Windows Security, a built-in security app that updates automatically to help keep your device safe.

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