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How to spot and avoid tech scams: a plain-English guide for seniors

Scammers count on surprise and fear. Once you know their handful of tricks, they become much easier to spot. Print this page or share it with someone you love.

The golden rule

The most common tricks

• The scary pop-up. A loud warning fills the screen saying your computer is infected and to "call Microsoft" or "call Apple" at a number shown. It's fake. Don't call. Close the browser; if it won't close, restart the computer.
• The surprise phone call. Someone says they're from Microsoft, Amazon, your bank, or the government and that there's a problem. Hang up and call the company back using a number you look up yourself, such as the one on your card or statement.
• The "refund" trick. They say you're owed money, ask you to log in so they can send it, then claim they sent too much and need it back. There was never a refund.
• The text or email link. "Your package is delayed" or "Your account is locked, click here." Don't tap the link. Open the app or website yourself instead.
• The urgent family emergency. A caller pretends to be a grandchild in trouble. Hang up and call your family member directly at the number you know.

What to do if you've already clicked or paid

• Disconnect. Turn off WiFi or unplug the internet cable if someone has remote access to your computer.
• Call your bank using the number on the back of your card, and tell them what happened. Act quickly; sooner is better.
• Change your passwords for email and banking from a different, safe device.
• Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360.
• Don't be embarrassed. These scams fool smart, careful people every day. Telling someone quickly is the best thing you can do.

How Nexara handles this

We will never cold-call you, and we will never ask for your bank password or for payment in gift cards. If you're ever unsure whether a call, email or pop-up is real, that's exactly the kind of thing members call us about.

Quick answers

Is a pop-up saying my computer is infected real?

Almost never. Pop-ups that tell you to call a phone number are a common scam. Close the browser or restart the computer and do not call the number.

What should I do if I gave a scammer remote access to my computer?

Disconnect from the internet, call your bank using the number on your card, change your passwords from a different device, and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.