How to Spot a Tech Support Scam in 2026
Tech support scams are getting smarter — and they're targeting regional areas hard. Here are the three most common scams hitting Yamba and the Clarence Valley right now, and how to shut them down before they cost you money.
1. The fake virus pop-up
You're browsing and suddenly a full-screen warning appears: "Your computer is infected — call Microsoft Support immediately." It looks urgent. It looks real. It's not.
- Never call the number on screen. It goes straight to a scam call centre.
- Don't click anything inside the pop-up — not even the X button if it looks suspicious.
- Force quit your browser: Ctrl + Shift + Esc (Windows) or Cmd + Option + Esc (Mac), then kill the browser process.
- Restart the browser without restoring tabs.
2. The "Microsoft" cold call
Someone rings claiming to be from Microsoft, Telstra, or "Windows Technical Department." They say your computer is sending errors or has been hacked. Microsoft will never call you unsolicited — not ever. Hang up immediately. Don't engage, don't explain, don't be polite. These callers are trained to keep you on the line.
3. Fake antivirus & "cleaner" software
Pop-up ads or dodgy websites push free "PC cleaners" or "antivirus scans" that find hundreds of problems. They create fake issues to scare you into paying for the "full version." Legitimate security software doesn't advertise through pop-ups. Stick to known names like Windows Defender (built-in and free), Malwarebytes, or Bitdefender.
Who they target
Scammers deliberately go after seniors and less tech-confident users. They use urgency, technical jargon, and authority to create panic. If someone remote-connects to your computer and you didn't initiate the call, it's a scam — disconnect immediately.
If you're unsure whether something on your computer is legitimate, JMS Tech Support offers a free in-home scam check for Yamba, Maclean, and Clarence Valley residents. We'll inspect your machine, remove anything dodgy, and show you what to watch for — no charge, no upsell.
Need help? Call JMS Tech Support on 0418 160 226 or visit jmstechsupport.com.au