Microsoft support scams are probably the oldest type of online scam and are still as dangerous as they were a decade ago, but scammers now have access to better technology, AI tools, and advanced hardware. Now it’s probably even more dangerous. We’ve reported these scams countless times, but “Bob” in Washington DC forwarded a new scam to us that we’d like to share with you. This particular scam uses Google search results to redirect you to the scammer instead of Microsoft customer support.
Get security alerts, tips from experts – Sign up for Cart Newsletter – Cyber Guy Report here
Woman encounters Microsoft support scam (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
How a Microsoft support scammer nearly stole $14,000
In an e-mail, Bob stated that he and his wife no longer have access to the Microsoft Exchange e-mail service. They searched for Microsoft support on Google, called the number they found, and were connected to a technician. They then gave him access to their computers.
“After running a ‘security’ scan for several hours, he said he discovered other IP addresses were trying to get into our system. Suspicious, I gave him the ID number and my boss’s I asked for his contact information. “My boss asked me all the ‘right questions’ and verified that the technician I was talking to was legitimate. ,” Bob wrote.
The technician then claims to have frozen Bob’s account and says that one of the suspicious IP addresses tried to withdraw money from Bob’s bank account.
When Bob asks if he should contact the bank about the problem, the technician says, “Don’t do that. I want to set up a decoy and catch them red-handed. I believe there is an employee who leaked customer information. I’m going to inform them.” Please don’t.
Bob added, “Nationwide now, my bank probably has over 100,000 employees. What are the chances that I would warn that one unscrupulous banker? He said please allow me access to your account. We would like to “borrow” $14,000. And with trenches set up in South Carolina, police are already waiting to arrest the scammers. ”
The technician, who is clearly a fraud at this point, promises Bob a $500 reward. However, when Bob asked about the initial request to restore the email account, the scammer replied that the IT team would handle it later. Realizing it was a scam, Bob and his wife hung up.


Woman carrying Microsoft laptop (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
How to Recognize Vacation Rental Scams and Avoid Becoming a Victim
How did my Microsoft support number end up with a scammer?
Scammers often leverage search engines like Google by creating fake websites and advertisements that mimic legitimate Microsoft support pages. When users like Bob search for “Microsoft Support” or “Microsoft Customer Service,” they may unknowingly click one of the fraudulent links that appear at the top of the search results. These fake pages display phone numbers that look official, but actually connect users to scammers posing as Microsoft technicians.
When you call, the scammer uses blackmail tactics, such as claiming there is suspicious activity on your account, to gain access to your computer and personal information. In Bob’s case, he called what he thought was a Microsoft support number, but it was actually a scammer who tricked him into giving him access to his computer.


woman working on laptop (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Cities most targeted for travel booking fraud
5 ways to protect yourself from Microsoft support scams
Microsoft scams are getting more sophisticated every day, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune. Here’s how to protect yourself from Microsoft support scams.
1) Verify contact information: Always use the official contact information found on Microsoft’s official website. Microsoft does not provide unsolicited telephone or pop-up support.
2) Be wary of search results: Be wary of search engine results and advertisements that seem too good to be true. To contact support, please use the official website and contact number.
3) Check for red flags: Scammers often use urgent language and threats to create panic. Be suspicious if you are under pressure to act quickly or if the other person requests remote access to your computer.
4) Invest in a personal data deletion service: Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods of obtaining personal information. They often scour the web for publicly available data and piece together details from various sources to create targeted phishing attacks. These personalized scams can be incredibly convincing, so it’s important to limit the amount of personal information you have access to online. Check out the data deletion services I recommend here.
5) Use strong antivirus software: If you have strong antivirus software installed on your device, it will protect you from visiting harmful websites on the internet that may imitate companies such as Microsoft. It can be protected. Antivirus software can also help you avoid opening malicious attachments or links.
No service promises to remove all data from the Internet, but if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing information from hundreds of sites over an extended period of time, a removal service is a good option. is the best. Check out my picks for the best antivirus protection products of 2024 for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
Heartless scammers prey on the suffering of people who have lost pets
Cart important points
This Microsoft support scam warns you to double-check who you are dealing with before sharing any personal information. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated and trick users into using fake support numbers that appear in search results to gain access to their computer and banking details. To stay safe, follow the official contact information listed on Microsoft’s website, be skeptical of urgent or unexpected calls, and be aware of red flags.
Have you ever encountered a Microsoft support scam or any other similar scam? How did you deal with it? Email us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, visit Cyberguy.com/Newsletter and subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report newsletter.
Ask Kurt a question or let us know your story you’d like us to cover.
Follow Kurt on his social channels.
Answers to CyberGuy frequently asked questions:
New from cart:
Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.