Here’s the play.

Your phone rings. The caller says they’re from Microsoft, Apple, or your internet provider. They’ve “detected” a virus or security issue on your computer. They sound helpful. They want to fix it before it gets worse.

They ask you to download remote access software so they can “take a look.”

Once you give them access, they’re in. They can see everything. They can install malware. They can lock you out of your own machine. And they’ll charge you hundreds of dollars for a “fix” that was never needed.

Sometimes the scam starts with a pop-up on your screen that says “VIRUS DETECTED! CALL THIS NUMBER IMMEDIATELY!” Same scam, different door.

How to spot it:

Microsoft, Apple, and your internet provider will never call you out of the blue about a virus. Never. If you didn’t reach out to them first, it’s not them.

If you see a scary pop-up, don’t call the number. Close your browser. Restart your computer. The “virus” usually disappears because it was never real.

Never give remote access to someone who contacted you first.

Here’s a simple rule that will protect you from a lot of scams:

No legitimate company, agency, or person will ever ask you to pay with gift cards.

Not the IRS. Not your utility company. Not tech support. Not your grandkid’s bail bondsman. No one real.

Gift cards are untraceable. Once you read those numbers over the phone, the money is gone. That’s exactly why scammers love them.

If anyone asks you to buy gift cards and read the numbers, you’re being scammed. Full stop. Doesn’t matter what story they tell.

Speaking of gift cards.

Be careful buying discounted gift cards from individuals online. Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and other platforms are full of listings for gift cards “at a discount.”

Some are stolen. Some have already been drained. Some are completely fake.

You pay $80 for a $100 card, and when you try to use it, the balance is zero.

How to stay safe:

Only buy gift cards from the retailer directly or from major reputable resale sites with buyer protection. If someone’s selling a gift card for cash on a peer-to-peer marketplace, the risk isn’t worth the discount.

This email was sent to one of our readers:

“Social Security Administration Notice: Your Social Security Number has been suspended due to suspicious activity. Call 1–800-XXX-XXXX immediately to prevent legal action. Case #SSA–389472”

This is 100% fake. Here’s why.

The Social Security Administration doesn’t suspend Social Security numbers. It’s not a thing. Your number is yours for life.

They don’t threaten you with legal action over email or text. If there’s actually a problem with your account, you’ll get a letter in the mail.

They don’t ask you to call random numbers. The real SSA number is 1–800–772–1213 and that’s the only number you should ever use.

The official-looking case number is there to make it feel real. It means nothing.

If you get something like this, delete it.