CYBERSECURITY FOR

SMALL BUSINESS

LEARN MORE AT:

FTC.gov/SmallBusiness

TECH SUPPORT SCAMS

You get a phone call, pop-up, 

or email telling you there’s a 

problem with your computer.

Often, scammers are behind these calls, pop-up 

messages, and emails. They want to get your 

money, personal information, or access to your 

files. This can harm your network, put your data 

at risk, and damage your business.

HOW THE SCAM WORKS

The scammers may pretend to be from a well-known tech company, such as Microsoft. They use 

lots of technical terms to convince you that the problems with your computer are real. They may 

ask you to open some files or run a scan on your computer — and then tell you those files or the 

scan results show a problem...but there isn’t one.

The scammers may then:

Ask you to give them remote 

access to your computer — which 

lets them access all information 

stored on it, and on any network 

connected to it

Install malware that gives them 

access to your computer and 

sensitive data, like user names 

and passwords

Try to sell you software or repair 

services that are worthless or 

available elsewhere for free 

Try to enroll you in a worthless 

computer maintenance or 

warranty program

Ask for credit card information 

so they can bill you for phony 

services or services available 

elsewhere for free

Direct you to websites and ask 

you to enter credit card, bank 

account, and other personal 

information
CYBERSECURITY FOR

SMALL BUSINESS

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS

If a caller says your computer has a problem, hang up. A tech support call you don’t expect is a scam 

— even if the number is local or looks legitimate. These scammers use fake caller ID information to 

look like local businesses or trusted companies. 

If you get a pop-up message to call tech support, ignore it. Some pop-up messages about computer 

issues are legitimate, but do not call a number or click on a link that appears in a pop-up message 

warning you of a computer problem.

If you’re worried about a virus or other threat, call your security software company directly, using 

the phone number on its website, the sales receipt, or the product packaging. Or consult a trusted 

security professional.

Never give someone your password, and don’t give remote access to your computer to someone 

who contacts you unexpectedly. 

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE

SCAMMED

If you shared your password with 

a scammer, change it on every 

account that uses this password. 

Remember to use unique passwords 

for each account and service. 

Consider using a password manager.

Get rid of malware. Update or 

download legitimate security 

software. Scan your computer, and 

delete anything the software says is 

a problem. If you need help, consult 

a trusted security professional.

If the affected computer is 

connected to your network, you or a 

security professional should check 

the entire network for intrusions. 

If you bought bogus services, 

ask your credit card company to 

reverse the charges, and check 

your statement for any charges 

you didn’t approve. Keep checking 

your credit card statements to make 

sure the scammer doesn’t try to 

re-charge you every month.

Report the attack right away to the FTC at FTC.gov/Complaint. 

LEARN MORE AT:

FTC.gov/SmallBusiness