• You get an unsolicited phone call or an email from someone claiming to work for branded tech companies such as Microsoft and Apple. Those companies say they do not contact customers unless the customer initiates the communication.
  • A pop up or blue screen appears on your computer, phone or tablet with a warning that a virus or other malicious program has infected your device.
  • The message urges you to immediately call a toll-free number or click a link to get technical help or security software.
  • The message contains bad grammar or misspelled words.
  • You are asked to pay for tech support or other services with a gift card, cash reload card or wire transfer.