"Microsoft" called to "fix" my PC. They didn't.

The caller ID looked ordinary when someone said they were from Microsoft and that my PC was infected. I work from home; losing the machine felt like losing income. Microsoft does not make those calls—I learned that after I cooperated.

They walked me through installing remote-access software, showed scary event logs, and sold a "warranty" cleanup for hundreds. I paid because I thought I was hiring the brand whose logo they quoted.

Fake tech-support calls harvest remote control and card numbers. My computer slowed from junkware they installed while I watched, and the charge was just theft with a receipt.

I assumed large vendors might proactively help consumers. Politeness and fear of breaking something kept me on the line.

When I read Microsoft's own fraud page—we never place unsolicited repair calls—the polite technician voice replayed in my head as theatre.

I lost money and spent a weekend wiping the machine. Reporting to the FTC made the scam feel named instead of personal failure.

I hang up on every unprompted tech call now and only use support channels I open from official sites. I wish I had never granted remote access.

• Microsoft, Apple, and Google do not call unprompted about your computer.
• Report to the FTC.

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