Quick summary: After every big Microsoft outage, scammers try to take advantage of confused users with fake "Microsoft Support" calls, pop-ups and emails. Microsoft says clearly that it does not make unsolicited support calls and that its real error messages never contain a phone number. This guide shows how tech support scams work, the warning signs, and exactly what to do if you were already targeted.
What is a tech support scam?
A tech support scam tries to convince you that your computer, phone or account has a serious problem, such as a virus, a hacked account or an expired licence. The scammer then offers to "fix" it, usually by taking remote control of your device and asking for payment. In reality there was no problem, and the goal is to steal money, passwords or personal data, or to install malware.
Microsoft describes these scams as an industry-wide problem that uses scare tactics. Scammers also pretend to be Apple, Google, Amazon, your bank or your internet provider.
The 4 most common types
1. Cold phone calls
Someone calls and says they are from "Microsoft Support", "Windows Technical Department" or similar. They claim your PC is sending error reports. Microsoft's official advice: if you receive an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be Microsoft Support, hang up.
2. Fake pop-up warnings
A web page suddenly fills your screen with alarms, flashing warnings and a phone number to call. It may even block your browser. Real Microsoft error and warning messages never ask you to call a phone number.
3. Phishing emails and texts
You receive a message about a "suspended Microsoft 365 account", "payment failure" or "unusual sign-in", with a link to a fake login page or a number to call.
4. Fake support ads and search results
Scammers buy ads or create pages that look like official support websites. When you search for help, you may call a fake number.
Warning signs: it's probably a scam if…
- Someone contacts you first about a computer problem.
- A pop-up or email gives you a phone number to call for Microsoft support.
- They create urgency: "Your data will be deleted in 30 minutes."
- They ask you to install remote-access software (such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer).
- They ask for payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer or a money transfer app.
- They ask for your password, one-time code or bank details.
How to protect yourself
- Never call numbers from pop-ups. Close the browser tab. If it won't close, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete (Windows) and end the browser task, or restart the computer.
- Find support yourself. Only use contact details from the official website you typed yourself or from your product receipt.
- Never give remote access to someone who contacted you unexpectedly.
- Turn on multi-factor authentication for your Microsoft account and email.
- Keep Windows, your browser and Microsoft Defender updated.
- Talk to older family members. Tech support scams often target older adults, so share these warning signs with parents and grandparents.
What to do if you already gave access or paid
- Disconnect the device from the internet immediately.
- Uninstall any remote-access app the scammer asked you to install.
- Run a full scan with Microsoft Defender or another trusted antivirus.
- Change your passwords from a different, clean device, starting with email, Microsoft account and banking.
- Call your bank or card provider using the number on your card and ask them to block or reverse the payment.
- Report the scam to Microsoft at microsoft.com/reportascam, and in the US to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. In other countries, report it to your national cybercrime or consumer-protection authority.
Why scams increase after outages
When a major service fails, as during the Microsoft 365 outage on November 12, 2026, millions of people search for help at the same time. Scammers know this and push fake "fix your account" messages. Always check the official service status page first instead of following links in unexpected messages.
FAQ
Does Microsoft ever call customers?
Microsoft says it does not make unsolicited calls to offer tech support. Unless you contacted them first, treat any such call as a scam.
Is a pop-up with a Microsoft logo and phone number real?
No. Microsoft's genuine error and warning messages do not include a phone number to call.
Where can I report a tech support scam?
At microsoft.com/reportascam, and in the US at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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