Tech Support Scam Alert: How Twin Cities Residents Can Spot It

If you’re in the Twin Cities and something about a recent pop-up, text or email message feels off, this is for you.

We’ve written about viruses on your computer and viruses in real life before — and here we are again, this time talking about something that spreads just as fast and preys on the exact same thing: people trusting a message that looks legit.

We’ve had a handful of clients bring in devices lately, worried they’d been hacked, only to find the real damage was already done — not to the computer, but to their bank account, their credit card, their investment accounts, their Social Security number, or their peace of mind. So let’s talk about it.

The scam that’s back and making the rounds

It usually starts innocently: a phone call, text, pop-up, or email claiming to be from Microsoft, Amazon, your bank, or even “tech support” (sometimes claiming to be us, or a company that sounds like us). A common one lately: an email “confirming” a large order or subscription renewal you never made, with a “click here if this wasn’t you” link or a phone number to call. It tells you there’s a problem — a virus, a suspicious charge, a locked account — and that you need to act right now.

That urgency is the tell. Real companies very rarely demand instant action, and they almost never ask you to pay them in gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. If someone’s asking for any of those, stop right there.

How to spot it, every time

1. Uninvited contact. Did you call them, or did they call you? If Microsoft, your bank, or “tech support” reaches out to you first, out of the blue, be skeptical. Real security issues don’t usually start with a cold call.

As a reminder, Microsoft will never call you!

2. Pressure and urgency. “Your computer will be compromised in the next 10 minutes.” “Your account will be suspended today.” Scammers want you to act before you think. Legitimate companies give you time.
   
3. Requests for remote access. Be very cautious about letting anyone remote into your computer unless you initiated the contact with a company you already trust and verified independently (not through a number they gave you).
4. Odd payment requests. Gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps to a stranger are the biggest red flag in the book. No legitimate company collects payment this way.
5. Scary pop-ups with a phone number. That “Your computer is infected, call this number now!” pop-up? It’s not Microsoft. It’s not us. It’s a scam pop-up, and the number connects you straight to the scammer. Close the browser (or, if it’s frozen, a forced restart is fine) — don’t call the number.

Bonus tip: Always look up a company’s real phone number yourself from their official website or a trusted directory. Never use the number that appears in an unsolicited email, text, or pop-up.

Not sure about a message you just received? Forward it to us or give us a quick call — we’re happy to take a look.

If you think you’ve already been affected

• Don’t panic, and don’t be embarrassed. These scams are sophisticated, and good people fall for them every day.
• If you gave remote access to your computer, disconnect from the internet and force the device off by holding down the power button — don’t do a normal shutdown, since scammers can plant scripts set to run when the computer powers down normally. Then bring it in and we can check what was actually done and clean it up properly. (We’ll also handle any needed virus removal at the same time.)
• If you gave financial information, contact your bank or card provider immediately.
• If you’re not sure whether something is legit, that’s exactly what we’re here for. A quick call to us is always cheaper (and less stressful) than a scam.

Our two cents

We built this business on trust — it’s baked right into our core values. Part of that means we’d rather you call us and ask “is this real?” before you ever give a stranger access to your computer or your wallet. We will never call you out of the blue demanding payment, and neither should anyone claiming to protect you.

If something feels off, it probably is. Give us a call or text at (612) 234-7237, or reach out here — we’re happy to help you sort out the real from the fake, no judgment.