tech support scammer
Fake computer helper
A tech support scammer is someone who fraudulently poses as technical support—typically claiming to represent Microsoft, Apple, or an internet provider—to trick victims into paying for unnecessary services or surrendering access to their computers.
The scam usually begins with a phone call or pop-up warning about fictitious viruses or security breaches: My grandmother lost $500 to a tech support scammer who convinced her that her computer was infected.
The term often appears in videos where scam-baiters waste scammers' time or hack their systems in retaliation.
- remote accessConnecting to systems elsewhere
- gift cardPrepaid retail currency
- refundMoney returned after purchase
- MicrosoftRedmond technology corporation
- WindowsMicrosoft operating system
popup · fake virus · bank account · money transfer · muted · scambaiting · hold music · redemption code · fear tactics · too good to be true · broken English · screen share · Western Union · cryptocurrency · impersonation · social engineering · grandma · malware
- cybercriminalshacker, hackers, phishers, phisher, fraudster
- Hackershacker, black hat, cracker, script kiddie, hacktivist
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