I called the number on the screen. Worst call I ever made.

A full-screen browser warning told me to call a number immediately—virus, hackers, account lock.

I was drafting a work email and panicked about losing files.

The person who answered said they were Microsoft support, asked for remote access, then billed hundreds for a “clean” and installed extra software.

Charges kept appearing after the call.

Pop-up tech support scams sell fake repairs and steal access.

Real vendors do not publish phone numbers inside browser lock screens.

I trusted the number because it was on my screen; the voice sounded calm and technical.

When my card showed repeat charges and the real Microsoft help article said they never operate that way, I wiped the machine and changed every password.

I lost money and spent nights wondering what they had copied during remote control; reporting to the FTC and bank felt necessary even though it was exhausting.

I force-quit the browser on scary pages and find support only on sites I type myself—never numbers from pop-ups.

• Official support numbers live on company websites, not in pop-up warnings.
• Report tech support fraud to the FTC (US) or your consumer authority.

For more help, see our Report a scam page and Spot and avoid scams guide.