High riskTech Support

Router Hacked Scam

In this scam, callers or pop-ups claim your router or Wi-Fi has been hacked and your internet provider must fix it, seeking remote access, router logins, or payment to 'secure' your network.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
ISP impersonation (tech support)
Main red flag
An unexpected claim your router or Wi-Fi is hacked and needs remote access to fix.
What to do first
Hang up; contact your provider on the number from your bill or official site.

How this scam works

In this scam, callers or pop-ups claim your router or Wi-Fi has been hacked and your internet provider must fix it, seeking remote access, router logins, or payment to 'secure' your network.

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: An unexpected claim your router or Wi-Fi is hacked and needs remote access to fix. Hang up; contact your provider on the number from your bill or official site.

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

How to spot this scam

  • An unsolicited claim your router or Wi-Fi is hacked
  • A request for remote access to your network or device
  • Demands for your router login or admin password
  • Pressure to act before 'hackers' do damage
  • A caller you cannot verify as your provider

What the message looks like

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: 'This is your internet provider. Hackers have breached your router. Allow us remote access now to secure your connection.'

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: An unexpected claim your router or Wi-Fi is hacked and needs remote access to fix.

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

  • Hang up and call your provider on a number from your bill
  • Never grant remote access on an unsolicited call
  • Change your router admin password yourself if worried
  • Report the call and block the number

Already responded? Do this now

  • Disconnect any remote-access session and uninstall the software
  • Change your router admin and Wi-Fi passwords
  • Update the router firmware and review connected devices
  • Contact your provider and your bank if you paid

Mistakes to avoid

  • Do not grant remote access to your network
  • Do not share your router login or admin password
  • Do not pay to 'secure' your connection on a cold call

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 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.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Tech Support

Fake Antivirus Scareware Scam

In this scam, fake antivirus warnings or bogus renewal emails claim your device is infected or your subscription is charging you, pushing you to install malware, pay, or call a fake support line.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Common questions

Would my ISP call about a hacked router?
Providers do not cold-call demanding remote access or your router password. Treat such calls as scams and contact your provider on an official number.
How do I actually secure my router?
Change the admin and Wi-Fi passwords yourself, update the firmware, and review connected devices. You never need to grant a caller remote access.
I let them access my network. What now?
Disconnect the session, uninstall the software, change your router and Wi-Fi passwords, update firmware, and contact your provider and bank if you paid.
Why do they want router access?
To install changes, steal logins, or set up further fraud. No genuine support fix requires you to hand control of your network to a cold caller.

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.