High riskTech Support & Computer Scams

Fake Live Chat Support Scam

In this scam, fake live chat widgets or search-ad 'help desks' pose as a real company's support, steering you to share logins, grant remote access, or pay, while impersonating brands you trust.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Fake support channel (tech support)
Main red flag
A 'support chat' or help number found via ads or pop-ups, not the official site.
What to do first
Use only the support link inside your real account or the official website.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, fake live chat widgets or search-ad 'help desks' pose as a real company's support, steering you to share logins, grant remote access, or pay, while impersonating brands you trust.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Welcome to support chat. To verify your account, please share your username, password, and the code we just sent you.'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • A support chat or number found via ads or pop-ups
  • Requests for your password or a verification code
  • A push to install remote-access software
  • Branding that looks close but the address is wrong
  • Pressure to resolve an 'urgent' account issue

What to do

  • Use only the support link in your real account or official site
  • Never share passwords or codes in a chat
  • Do not install remote-access tools for a chat agent
  • Close suspicious chats and report the page

If you already clicked or replied

  • Change the password for any account you shared
  • Enable two-factor authentication where possible
  • Remove any remote-access software you installed
  • Contact the real company and your bank if you paid

What not to do

  • Do not share passwords or codes in a support chat
  • Do not trust support found via search ads or pop-ups
  • Do not install software a chat agent requests

Similar scams

High risk Tech Support

Fake Apple Support Scam

In this scam, fraudsters impersonate Apple support through calls, emails, or pop-ups, claiming your iCloud, Apple ID, or device is compromised, to get remote access, your Apple ID password, or payment.
High risk Tech Support

Microsoft Support Call Scam

In this scam, a caller claims to be from Microsoft or Windows support about detected errors, expired licences, or security issues, pressuring you to install remote-access software or pay to 'fix' your PC.
High risk Tech Support

Remote Access Scam

In this scam, a caller or pop-up convinces you to install remote-access software so 'support' can fix an issue, then uses the control to view your screen, steal data, and move money.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find genuine support?
Go to the company's official website or your account, and use the support link there. Avoid help numbers and chats found via ads or pop-ups.
Will real support ask for my password?
No. Genuine support never needs your password or a verification code. Anyone asking in a chat is running a scam.
I shared my login in a chat. What now?
Change the password, enable two-factor authentication, remove any installed software, and contact the real company and your bank if you paid.
Why are fake help desks effective?
They appear in search ads and pop-ups exactly when you need help, mimicking real brands so you lower your guard and share details.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.