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Tech Support Scams
Medium SeverityTech support scams cost consumers $1.2B annually in the US
Tech support scams use fake security alerts or subscription renewal notices to trick victims into calling a fraudulent helpdesk. Scammers then convince victims to install remote access software or pay for unnecessary "repairs."
How it works
- Email claims your computer is infected or a subscription is auto-renewing
- A phone number is prominently displayed to "cancel" or "fix" the issue
- Calling connects to a scam call center posing as Microsoft, Apple, etc.
- Scammers request remote access to your computer or payment for fake services
Red flags to watch for
- Microsoft/Apple never sends unsolicited security alert emails
- Phone number instead of a website link for support
- Fake subscription renewal for a product you don't use
- Requests to install remote desktop software
Real-world example
Subject: Your Norton subscription ($499.99) has been auto-renewed
From: norton-billing@securityalert-center.com
“Your Norton 360 Premium subscription has been renewed for $499.99. If you did not authorize this charge, call our billing department immediately at 1-888-XXX-XXXX to request a refund.”
How to protect yourself
- Never call phone numbers from unsolicited emails
- Check your actual subscriptions through the vendor's official website
- Never allow remote access to your computer from an unsolicited contact
- SiftMail labels fake support emails so they never look official
How SiftMail detects this
SiftMail detects tech support scams through spam keyword patterns, suspicious sender domains, and content analysis that identifies fake billing/subscription language.
Spot tech support scams the moment they land
SiftMail scores every email after delivery and labels the risky ones. Preview what it found, confirm, and archive in one pass. Free plan available, setup takes 30 seconds.