Fake Microsoft & Apple Support Calls

How fake tech-giant impersonators trick seniors out of thousands of dollars — and exactly how to stop them.

How the Scam Works

The scam usually starts with an unexpected phone call. The caller claims to be from Microsoft, Apple, Windows Support, or "Apple iCloud Security" and tells you that your computer has a serious virus, that hackers have accessed your bank account through your device, or that your Apple ID has been compromised. The caller will sound calm, professional, and helpful — but everything they say is a lie.

Once you are on the phone, they will ask you to download a "support tool" — usually AnyDesk, TeamViewer, LogMeIn, or QuickAssist. These are legitimate remote-access programs, but the scammer uses them to take complete control of your computer. From there, they can see your screen, type on your keyboard, and access your bank accounts, email, photos, and saved passwords.

The scammer will then "show" you that your computer is infected by opening Windows Event Viewer or the Mac Console (both of which always contain warning messages by design). They use this fake evidence to convince you that you need to pay for "protection" — often $300 to $5,000 — in gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Some scammers will even drain your bank account in front of you while pretending to "transfer funds for safekeeping."

Real-World Example

📞 Real Case

In 2024, a 71-year-old retiree from Ohio received a call from someone claiming to be "Microsoft Security." Over the course of three hours, the caller convinced her to grant remote access to her computer, then to "verify" her accounts by transferring $58,000 to "secure" accounts. The money was wired to Hong Kong within minutes and was never recovered. The scammers had spoofed the caller ID to display "Microsoft Corporation."

Warning Signs

•Unsolicited call: Microsoft and Apple will never call you. They do not monitor your computer for problems and never reach out by phone.
•Caller ID says "Microsoft" or "Apple": Caller ID is easy to fake (called "spoofing"). Trust nothing about an incoming call based on caller ID alone.
•Requests for remote access: If anyone asks you to download AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or any "support tool" — it is a scam. Period.
•Payment in gift cards: Apple, Google Play, Steam, and Amazon gift cards are never used by real companies for payments. Always a scam.
•"Don't tell anyone": Scammers will tell you not to discuss the call with family or your bank. Real companies never demand secrecy.
•Urgency: "Your computer will be locked in 10 minutes," "Hackers are draining your account right now." Real problems do not require panic.

How to Protect Yourself

✓Hang up immediately. Do not engage. Do not ask questions. Do not "test" them. Just hang up.
✓Never grant remote access. If you didn't call them, never let them onto your computer.
✓Verify directly. If you're worried something might be real, call Microsoft at 1-800-642-7676 or Apple at 1-800-275-2273 using the number from their official website.
✓Tell a trusted person. Mention the call to a family member, friend, or trusted advisor. Scammers count on isolation.
✓If you already gave them access: Disconnect from the internet, run a virus scan, change every password from a different device, and call your bank immediately.
✓Report it. File at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and ic3.gov.

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