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](https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2025_IC3Report.pdf)

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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:

- [FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)](https://www.ic3.gov) United States
- [Federal Trade Commission (FTC)](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov) United States
- [Action Fraud](https://www.actionfraud.police.uk) United Kingdom
- [Scamwatch (ACCC)](https://www.scamwatch.gov.au) Australia
- [Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre](https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca) Canada
- [CERT NZ](https://www.cert.govt.nz) New Zealand
- [National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal](https://cybercrime.gov.in) India
- [ScamShield](https://www.scamshield.gov.sg) Singapore
- [Anti-Deception Coordination Centre](https://www.cyberdefender.hk) Hong Kong
- [Europol](https://www.europol.europa.eu) European Union
- [INTERPOL](https://www.interpol.int) Global
- [econsumer.gov (ICPEN)](https://www.econsumer.gov) Cross-border complaints

## Been targeted by a scammer?

File a report with the number, name, and what happened — it's published immediately and warns the next person who searches.

[Report a scammer](https://scammercasefile.com/report)