Medium riskTech Support

Printer & Router Support Scam

In this scam, fake support sites and numbers for printers, routers, or smart devices appear in search results and ads, then charge bogus setup fees or take remote access when you call for help.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Support impersonation (devices)
Main red flag
A printer or router 'support' number from a search ad that charges fees or wants remote access.
What to do first
Get support only from the manufacturer's official website or documentation.

How this scam works

In this scam, fake support sites and numbers for printers, routers, or smart devices appear in search results and ads, then charge bogus setup fees or take remote access when you call for help.

Tech-support scams use pop-ups, emails, and cold calls claiming your device is infected or your account is at risk. The "fix" is always remote access, which hands criminals control of your machine, your logins, and often a fake "refund" that reverses in their favour.

In short, the giveaway is usually simple: A printer or router 'support' number from a search ad that charges fees or wants remote access. Get support only from the manufacturer's official website or documentation.

Scammers rotate tactics constantly, the same operation may also run the Remote Access Scam and the Fake Tech Support Scam. See the full Tech Support & Computer Scams guides hub, or test a suspicious message with the scam checker.

How to spot this scam

  • A support number from a search ad or pop-up
  • A setup or driver 'fee' to fix your device
  • A request for remote access to configure it
  • A site that mimics the manufacturer but is not official
  • Pressure to pay or grant access quickly

What the message looks like

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: 'Printer not working? Call our setup support line now!' shown in a search ad, leading to a fee or remote-access demand.

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.

What gives it away: A printer or router 'support' number from a search ad that charges fees or wants remote access.

The scale of it

Older adults
are the group most affected by tech-support scams, with the highest reported losses
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
$2.7B
reported lost to imposter scams in the US in 2023, which include tech support fraud
Source: US Federal Trade Commission

How to protect yourself

  • Get support from the manufacturer's official website or manual
  • Download drivers only from the official site
  • Never pay setup fees or grant remote access to ad-found support
  • Report fake support sites and numbers

Already responded? Do this now

  • If you installed software, remove it and run a scan
  • If you paid, contact your bank to flag your card
  • Change passwords from a trusted device if you gave access
  • Watch for follow-up calls

Mistakes to avoid

  • Do not call support numbers from search ads
  • Do not pay setup or driver fees
  • Do not grant remote access to configure a device

Related scams to know

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.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Email

Fake Tech Support Scam

This scam uses a pop-up, email, or phone call warning that your computer is infected or your account is compromised, urging you to call a number or allow remote access, after which the fake 'technician' charges fees, installs software, or takes your data.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Tech Support

Fake Virus Pop-up Scam

In this scam, a full-screen pop-up or alarming web page claims your device is infected and urges you to call a 'support' number or download a fix, leading to remote access or bogus payments.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Common questions

How do I get genuine printer or router help?
Use the manufacturer's official website, app, or printed manual, and download drivers from the official site, not a number from a search ad.
Why would setup help charge a fee?
Manufacturer support and drivers are free. A 'fee' to set up your device, or a remote-access demand, is a scam sign.
I paid or gave access. What now?
Remove any software, run a scan, contact your bank if you paid, change passwords from a trusted device, and watch for follow-up calls.
How do these fake numbers appear?
Scammers buy ads and create sites mimicking manufacturers. Always navigate to the official site directly rather than trusting search results.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Written & reviewed by the

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.