FBI Warns of Advanced Tech Support Scams
04/16/2025
FBI Warns of Advanced Tech Support Scams
While tech support scams are nothing new, the FBI is warning that they are becoming more sophisticated and include a network of criminals trying to steal your money. Unfortunately, these scammers are increasingly targeting seniors, and the FBI is investigating numerous cases across the United States.
The FBI reported that consumers lost $1.3 billion to tech support and government impersonation scams in 2023, and people aged sixty plus lost more money to these scams than all other age groups combined (aba.com). Because of this, the FBI and financial institutions are sounding the alarm on these scams. This is how the scam works:
- The scam will begin with an unsolicited call, text, email, or pop-up message. The scammer will impersonate a tech support company and warn that there is something wrong with your device. Usually, they claim it has been infiltrated by malware.
- The scammer may then include other imposters who are impersonating government or bank officials to make their claims more believable.
- The scammers then offer a way to fix the problem. Some will claim that you need to wire your money to a third-party bank account to “safeguard it.” Others may require payment in gift card, crypto, money transfer app, or even dropping off cash or gold bars to a location of their choice.
- Some scammers will also claim that to protect your device from future issues like this, you need to purchase their subscription plan and install software. Of course, these subscriptions are fake because the problem doesn’t exist, and the software they have you install is usually malware.
Here are some ways to avoid falling victim to these scams:
- Remember that unsolicited contact is a red flag for a scam. Never click on any links or pop-up messages.
- The safest place to keep your money secure is at your bank, in your account. If you suspect any fraud, contact the bank yourself at a known and trusted number or visit in person.
- It is always a scam when someone asks you to pay via gift cards, crypto, payment app, et cetera. No legitimate company will ask for payment these ways.
- Never allow unverified people remote access to any of your devices and do not download software from people who contact you out of the blue.
- Never call phone numbers from emails, texts, or pop-ups. Always use a verified source like websites and bank cards to call verified businesses.
If you or someone you know may be the victim of an advanced tech support scam, make sure to tell your bank, contact law enforcement, and file a report with the FBI at IC3.gov. Stay safe out there!
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