A tech-support scam is a fraud scheme that pretends to be legitimate technical help. The attacker may show fake security alerts, claim the device is infected or locked, and urge the victim to call a support number, pay for a repair, or grant remote access. The goal is not fixing a problem; it is extracting money, credentials, or control.
This tactic matters because it turns fear into compliance. In real attacks, the “support” page or pop-up may look like a browser warning, a system message, or a search ad leading to a bogus help line. Defenders should treat any unsolicited alert with suspicion, avoid calling numbers shown in pop-ups, verify warnings through official vendor channels, and limit browser notifications and remote-access tools unless they are clearly needed.