How to Spot a Tech Scam Before It Tricks You
It usually starts with something that feels urgent: a scary pop-up saying your computer is infected, a phone call claiming to be from “Microsoft support,” or a text message about an undelivered Amazon package.
Scams can come from any direction — email, text, or phone call — and they’re all designed to catch you off guard. Scammers know if they can get you worried or rushed, you’re more likely to act before thinking. But once you know the signs — and see a few common examples — you’ll spot most scams before they cause trouble.
Urgent Warnings That Don’t Add Up
One of the most common tricks is the full-screen pop-up: “WARNING! Your computer is infected. Call Microsoft immediately: 1-800-XXX-XXXX.” It looks official, complete with logos and flashing red text. But here’s the truth: Microsoft (and Apple, and Dell) never call you or tell you to dial a number to “fix” your computer. That pop-up is just a scare tactic. The safest move? Close the browser or restart your computer.
Emails That Look Real but Aren’t
Scam emails are getting polished. You might get something that looks like it’s from your bank: “Unusual activity detected. Log in now to avoid suspension.” The logo looks real, the wording sounds serious, but the link doesn’t go to your bank at all — it goes to a fake site that steals your password.
Another favorite is the fake prize email: “Congratulations! You’ve won a $500 gift card.” If you didn’t enter a contest, you didn’t win. Real prizes never ask you to pay a “processing fee” to collect them.
Phone Calls from “The IRS” or “Your Grandchild”
Two phone scams are especially common with seniors:
The IRS scam: Someone calls saying you owe back taxes and must pay immediately or face arrest. The IRS never demands payment over the phone — that’s always a scam.
The “grandchild” scam: A caller pretends to be your grandchild in trouble, often claiming they need bail money. They’ll beg you not to tell their parents. If this ever happens, hang up and call your grandchild or their parents directly.
Texts About Packages and Deliveries
Scam texts often pretend to be from Amazon, UPS, or FedEx: “Your package delivery failed. Click here to reschedule.” The link doesn’t go to the delivery company — it goes to a fake website that tries to steal your login or credit card info.
If you’re unsure, open your official Amazon or UPS app directly, or log in through their real website. Never trust a link in a random text.
A Trusted Second Opinion
Scammers count on you being alone and flustered. One of the best defenses is to pause and check with someone you trust. Even just reading the message aloud to a friend or family member often makes the scam obvious.
Final Thoughts
Scams can reach you by email, text, or phone call — but the tactics are always the same: fear, urgency, and pressure. If you slow down, check the details, and ask someone you trust, you’ll avoid nearly all of them.
And remember — you don’t have to figure this out alone. At Gentle Technology Services, we help clients clean up after scam attempts and, even more importantly, show them how to avoid them in the first place. A little confidence goes a long way toward peace of mind.
