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It started like any other day. I was going about my routine, working from home on my MacBook, when I received a phone call from an unfamiliar number. I usually let these go to voicemail, but for some reason, I picked this one up. The person on the other end spoke in a calm, robotic tone and told me something along the lines of:
“Hello sir, we have detected a serious issue with your computer. We need to fix it immediately.”
And that was my first red flag.
Now, I work in a corporate environment where we have an internal IT department. If anything ever goes wrong with our systems, they either email us directly or create a ticket in our internal helpdesk system. The idea that some random third-party person would “detect” an issue with my personal or work computer—without any context, logs, or request from me—was already suspicious.
So, I decided to play along, at least for a bit, just to see how far they would go.
The Classic Scripted Scam
The caller kept insisting that I needed to act fast. There was supposedly malware, or a corrupted file, or some kind of network breach—his explanation kept shifting. What didn’t change was the pressure: he kept saying “This needs to be fixed now, before your data is compromised.”
I asked him which company he was calling from. He dodged the question.
I told him we had an internal IT department. “Why would I need you?” I asked, genuinely curious how he’d answer.
He didn’t have a clear response. He just repeated, “We are here to help you. You are in danger.”
That’s when I hung up.
And that should have been the end of it. I got another call a few days later. Different number. Different voice. Same script.
The Second Scam Call – With a Twist
The second caller did the same exact thing. He said. “We have detected unusual activity on your Windows PC. Your system is infected.”
At this point, I didn’t even need to engage. I was working on a MacBook. There was no Windows PC in sight. I pointed that out to him—he immediately ended the call to avoid wasting his time.
Recognizing the Scam Pattern
Looking back, both calls followed the same structure—a playbook, if you will:
- Initial Contact: Out of the blue, usually from an unknown number, often with a foreign accent or pre-recorded message.
- Sense of Urgency: Immediate threat is created—your data is at risk, your system is compromised, hackers are attacking you.
- Authority Illusion: They pretend to be from Microsoft, Apple, or another reputable tech company (but won’t give specifics).
- Remote Access: You’re asked to go to a website to download a program (often TeamViewer or AnyDesk), giving them full control of your system.
- Payment Demand: Eventually, they “find” a major issue and offer to fix it—for a price.
I didn’t let either caller get to step five, but I’ve read enough and spoken to enough people to know how this scam ends. And sadly, not everyone gets off the phone as easily.
Why These Scams Still Work
It’s easy to think, “Who would fall for that?” But the truth is, these scams continue because they still work.
Here’s why:
- Not everyone is tech-savvy. Older individuals or those who aren’t as familiar with computers may panic and follow the instructions without thinking twice.
- They use fear tactics. When someone tells you your identity is at risk, or that hackers are stealing your bank info, it’s a natural reaction to want to fix it fast.
- They sound official. Some scammers go as far as spoofing caller ID to make it look like they’re calling from Microsoft or Apple. They may use scripts filled with tech jargon to sound knowledgeable.
- People want to trust experts. When someone presents themselves as a professional there to help, especially in a crisis, our instinct is to listen.
The Real Danger of These Scams
What’s at stake if you fall for one of these?
- Loss of money: They may charge you for “fixing” the issue, or worse—convince you to pay through gift cards or wire transfers, making the money unrecoverable.
- Identity theft: With access to your system, they can snoop around, steal passwords, financial records, or personal documents.
- Ransomware or malware: Some scammers install actual viruses or backdoors to maintain access to your system long after the call ends.
- Loss of control: Giving someone remote access means they can do virtually anything on your machine, including locking you out of it entirely.
What You Should Do Instead
So, if you ever receive a call like this, here are a few rules to live by:
- Hang up immediately. You’re not being rude. You’re being smart.
- Don’t engage. Avoid pressing any buttons or speaking to the “representative.” Even confirming your number can make you a bigger target.
- Don’t download anything. Never go to a website or run software just because a stranger told you to.
- Report the number. Use services like the FTC (if in the US), your local consumer protection agency, or your phone provider to report scam calls.
- Educate those around you. Especially older family members or friends who may be more vulnerable.
What Legitimate Tech Companies Will Never Do
It’s worth repeating:
- Microsoft, Apple, Google, or your ISP will never call you out of the blue to tell you there’s a problem with your computer.
- They will never ask for remote access unless you contacted them first through official channels.
- They will never ask you to pay in gift cards or crypto.
- They will never pressure you with threats or time-sensitive emergencies.
Turning the Experience Into a Teachable Moment
After I hung up on the second caller, I spent a few minutes reflecting on how easy it would be for someone else to get caught in that trap. I’ve worked in environments with IT departments, help desks, system alerts, and corporate training sessions about phishing and scam detection.
But what about someone who doesn’t?
What about a retiree using their home computer for email and news? Or a college student with a laptop full of assignments and no regular backups?
These scammers prey on fear and unfamiliarity. The best weapon we have against them is awareness.
So I called up a couple of relatives and just asked, “Hey, if someone called and said your computer had a problem, what would you do?” It sparked some interesting conversations and hopefully planted the right seeds of skepticism.
Final Thoughts
I didn’t lose anything in the scam calls I received—other than a few minutes of my day. But the experience left me thinking about the thousands of people who get targeted every day and do lose something.
Whether it’s money, data, or peace of mind, scams like these are more than just annoying—they’re dangerous.
So the next time your phone rings with a strange number and someone says they’ve detected an issue with your computer, you can confidently respond with:
“No thanks. I’ve got an IT department—and common sense.”
And then, hang up.
