How to Spot, Avoid and Report Tech Support Scams

At Bank Iowa, we’re committed to helping our customers stay ahead of fraud. One of the more common and convincing scams we’re seeing today involves fake tech support. These scams are designed to create panic and gain access to your computer or financial information.

Understanding how they work is the first step in protecting yourself.

How Tech Support Scams Work

Tech support scams typically begin with a false warning that something is wrong with your computer. This could appear as a pop-up message that looks like it’s from a well-known company, asking you to call a number for help. In other cases, scammers may call or text you directly, pretending to be a technician.

Once they have your attention, they’ll try to gain your trust and convince you there’s a serious issue.

• They may ask for remote access to your computer to “diagnose or fix” the problem.
• They claim to find viruses or security threats that don’t exist.
• They offer to fix the issue for a fee. 

Payment is often requested through methods that are difficult to trace or recover, such as gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency or other payment apps.

Other Common Tech Support Scam Tactics

Some tech support scams go a step further by escalating the situation. A scammer with access to your computer may claim your accounts have been hacked or that your identity is linked to serious criminal activity. You may then be transferred to someone posing as a government official to “help resolve the issue.”

These scams often include instructions to:

• Withdraw money from your account to “protect” it.
• Move funds to a so-called “safe” or “secure” account.
• Purchase crypto, gift cards, or provide cash to a third party. 

It’s important to know that no legitimate government agency will ever ask you to move or withdraw your money for protection.

Another variation involves fake subscription renewal notices. You may receive an email or text claiming you’ve been charged for a tech support service from a well-known company. The message urges you to call a number to dispute the charge. If you do, scammers may ask for remote access or direct you to a fake website to enter your financial information and attempt to collect additional payment.

How to Avoid a Tech Support Scam

Most tech support scams rely on urgency and confusion. Slowing down and verifying the situation can make a difference.

• Legitimate tech companies will not randomly contact you to report a problem with your device.
• Real security alerts will not ask you to call a phone number for immediate assistance.
• Never give someone remote access to your computer unless you initiated the request with a trusted provider.  
• If you receive a suspicious message about a subscription or charge, contact the company directly using a verified phone number or website.
• When in doubt, talk to someone you trust before taking action. 

If you believe your computer has an issue, update your security software and run a scan. If you need help, work with a trusted provider or local expert. You always have the option to bring your device into a store to deal with an issue in person.

What to Do if You Were Targeted

If you think you’ve interacted with a tech support scammer, here’s what to do.

• If you gave someone access to your computer, disconnect from the internet and have a trusted professional review your device.
• If you shared login credentials, change your passwords immediately — especially if you reuse them across accounts.
• Monitor your bank and credit card accounts for any unauthorized activity. In some cases, lock or freeze your cards so no activity can happen without your consent.

Bank Iowa is Here to Help

Tech support scams are designed to create urgency and fear, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you ever question whether a situation is legitimate or believe your financial information may be at risk, contact Bank Iowa directly using the phone number on our official website or visit a local branch.

We’re here to help you stay informed, stay alert, and stay protected.