Tech Support Scam
Also known as: printer support scam, fake Microsoft support, remote access scam
A scam where fraudsters pose as Microsoft, Apple, HP, or Epson support to gain remote access to a victim’s computer and charge for useless or malicious software.
The tech support scam is one of the most successful fraud categories targeting older and non-technical users worldwide. The flow always follows the same script: the victim searches Google for support, clicks a paid ad that looks official (search engine poisoning), calls a phone number, and is convinced to install remote-access software like AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or UltraViewer.
Once inside the victim’s computer, the scammer performs theatrical “diagnostics” — opening Windows Event Viewer to point at normal warning logs, running netstat to claim foreign hackers are connected, sometimes editing the bank balance via Inspect Element to convince the victim a refund was over-credited. The conclusion is always a payment request for a fake “lifetime firewall” or “Microsoft Certified Security Plan” priced between $200 and $1,500 (or ₹15,000 to ₹1,50,000 in India).
The defense: no legitimate manufacturer asks for remote access to fix a printer or driver. The moment anyone asks you to install AnyDesk or UltraViewer to fix a peripheral, hang up.