The phone rings. A polite, confident voice says they're from "Microsoft", or "BT", or "your computer's security department". They've noticed a problem with your machine, and they're calling to help. It sounds official. It sounds urgent. And it is, from the very first word, a scam. These callers are convincing professionals — so let's arm you with exactly how they work and how to stop them cold.
Real technology companies never phone you out of the blue about a computer problem. Not Microsoft, not Apple, not your broadband provider. If someone rings claiming they have — it's a scam, every single time. You may simply hang up. You owe them nothing, not even politeness.
How the trick works
Understanding their playbook makes it obvious the moment it starts. It nearly always follows the same four steps:
- The hook — "We've detected a virus / suspicious activity on your computer."
- The fear — "Your files are at risk" or "your bank account has been accessed." They create panic so you stop thinking clearly.
- The access — they ask you to install a program (often called something like "TeamViewer" or "AnyDesk") so they can "fix" it. This hands them control of your screen.
- The sting — they "find" a problem and ask for payment, or guide you into your online banking while they watch.
So what? Once you see the pattern, the spell breaks. It's always fear, then access, then money.
The warning signs, plain as day
| If they… | Then… |
|---|---|
| Phoned you unexpectedly about your computer | Scam — hang up |
| Ask you to download or install anything | Scam — never do it |
| Want to "remotely connect" to your screen | Scam — they'll take control |
| Pressure you to act right now | Scam — urgency is the giveaway |
| Ask for payment, gift cards, or bank details | Scam — no exceptions |
So what? Any one of these is enough to know. You don't need to be sure of the rest — just put the phone down.
It's not only phone calls
The same trick arrives in other disguises, so keep an eye out for:
- Pop-up windows on screen with a "support" number to call (covered in our Is it a virus? guide).
- Texts and emails about a "suspended account" or "failed delivery", urging you to click a link.
- Someone "from the bank" asking you to move money to a "safe account" — your bank will never ask this.
If a call worries you and you're not certain it's a scam, hang up and ring the company back yourself — using the number on your bill, your card, or their official website. Never use a number the caller gives you. A genuine company is always happy for you to call them back.
So what? Hanging up and calling back on a trusted number defeats every version of this scam.
If you've already let one in
If you gave a caller access to your computer or shared details, act quickly and without shame — these people fool thousands of sensible folk every week:
- Turn off your Wi-Fi and restart the computer to cut their connection.
- Uninstall any program they had you install (Settings → Apps).
- Change your passwords — email and banking first — from a different device.
- Ring your bank immediately if any money or card details were involved.
- Report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
If you're unsure whether your computer is still safe after one of these calls, we'll happily check it over with you and put your mind at rest — honestly and free of charge. Visit Ask IT Man.
What should I do?
- Remember: real companies never cold-call you about your computer.
- Hang up on anyone who does — no guilt required.
- Never install anything or allow "remote access" to a caller.
- Call back on a number you trust if you're ever unsure.
- If caught out, disconnect, change passwords, and ring your bank.
Scammers trade entirely on surprise and fear. Now that you know their script word for word, they've lost their only advantage — and you can answer the phone with confidence.
