Medium riskTech Support & Computer Scams

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.

What this scam usually looks like

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.

Example message pattern

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.

Red flags to watch for

  • 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 to do

  • 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

If you already clicked or replied

  • 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

What not to do

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

Similar scams

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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.
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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.
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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.

Frequently asked 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

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.