Tech support scams: pop-ups and phone calls

How the scam works

• A pop-up says your computer is infected or "locked" and to call a number. It may beep or fill the screen.
• Or someone calls claiming to be Microsoft, Apple, your bank or your internet provider.
• They get you to install a remote-access app, "find" problems, then ask for payment (often gift cards, crypto or e-Transfer) or get into your online banking.

What to do

• Pop-up: don't call. Close the browser. If it won't close, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc (Windows) or Cmd+Option+Esc (Mac) and end it, or just restart.
• Phone call: hang up. Call the company back on a number you look up yourself.

If you already let them in

1. Disconnect from the internet (unplug the cable or turn off Wi-Fi).
2. Call your bank right away if you logged in to banking or paid anything.
3. Uninstall the remote-access app they had you install.
4. Change your passwords from a different, clean device.
5. Get the computer checked for anything they left behind.
6. Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501.