WhatsApp Scam Reports

Tech Support Scam

What is a Tech Support Scam scam?

A contact claims your device or account has been compromised and offers to "fix" it if you install remote-access software or pay for unnecessary support.

Red flags to watch for

  • An unsolicited call, popup, or message claims your device is already infected or hacked.
  • You're asked to install remote-access software (AnyDesk, TeamViewer, etc.) for a "free" fix.
  • Payment is requested in gift cards, wire transfer, or crypto for the "support" service.
  • They create urgency: "your bank accounts are at risk right now."

What to do

Hang up or close the popup; real security warnings don't arrive as unsolicited calls or messages. Never install remote-access software for someone who contacted you first, and if you already did, disconnect from the internet and get help removing it from a trusted source.

How common this is, officially

IC3's "Tech Support" category received 47,794 complaints in 2025, with reported losses of $2.1 billion.

— FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, 2025 Internet Crime Report

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Frequently asked questions

How is a scam type determined for a report?

The reporter selects it when filing, from a fixed list of common patterns -- not inferred automatically from the notes.

What if a report matches more than one pattern?

Reporters pick the single closest match. Read the notes on each report for the full description, which often blends more than one tactic.

How often is this page updated?

Immediately — every count here reflects the reports on file in real time, not a periodic snapshot.

Report this to official agencies

This case file is a self-reported community record, not an official investigation. If you were targeted, consider also filing a report with a national or international fraud authority:

Been targeted by a scammer?

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