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Scams keep getting more convincing — not because the technology is better, but because the scripts are.

Most tech support scams work because people don’t know what real support looks like anymore.

So let’s make this simple.

If someone claiming to be tech support asks you to do any of the things below, it’s not legitimate.

A Real Tech Support Company Will Never…

1. Call You Out of the Blue

Legitimate tech support does not make unsolicited calls.

Not from:

  • “Microsoft”
  • “Apple”
  • Your internet provider
  • A “security department”

If you didn’t request help, the call is fake.

2. Pressure You to Act Immediately

Scammers rely on urgency.

Real support will:

  • Let you take time
  • Encourage questions
  • Never threaten consequences for pausing

“Act now or your account will be closed” is a scam phrase.

3. Ask for One-Time Codes or Passwords

No legitimate company needs:

  • Your password
  • A verification code sent to your phone
  • A recovery key

Those are keys to your account, not support tools.

Real support doesn’t cold-call and then send you a download link.

This is how remote-access scams begin:

  • “Let me connect to fix the issue”
  • “This will only take a moment”

Once installed, scammers can lock you out of your own device.

5. Ask for Payment in Gift Cards, Crypto, or Wire Transfers

This one’s simple.

No real company accepts:

  • Gift cards
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Zelle or wire transfers for support

Ever.

Why These Scams Work So Well

They don’t look like hacking — they look like help.

Scammers:

  • Use real company names
  • Copy real emails and websites
  • Sound calm and professional
  • Know people are busy and distracted

Antivirus can’t stop this. Education does.

A Simple Rule That Stops Almost Every Scam

If you didn’t start the support request, stop.

Hang up.

Close the tab.

Don’t click anything.

If there’s a real issue, you can always contact the company directly through their official website.

What Real Tech Support 

Does

 Look Like

Legitimate support:

  • Waits for you to reach out
  • Explains what’s happening in plain language
  • Never rushes or threatens
  • Never asks for secrets
  • Uses clearly identified tools

Transparency is the difference.

When in Doubt, Pause

If something feels off, it probably is.

Pausing for five minutes — or asking for a second opinion — prevents most tech support scams before they start.

What a Legit Tech Support Company Will Never Ask You To Do