High riskText Message

Tech Support Text Scam

This scam texts that your device is infected, hacked, or compromised and urges you to call a 'support' number, where a fake agent seeks remote access, payment, or your account details.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Tech-support impersonation (smishing)
Main red flag
A text warns your device is infected and gives a number to call for 'support'.
What to do first
Do not call. Devices do not detect viruses and text you a support line.

What to know first

This scam texts that your device is infected, hacked, or compromised and urges you to call a 'support' number, where a fake agent seeks remote access, payment, or your account details.

Text-message scams, known as "smishing", reach you directly on your phone where a link is only a tap away and messages feel personal and urgent. They impersonate trusted senders, banks, couriers, government, or even people you know, and depend on you acting before you pause to verify.

The core pattern to watch for is clear: A text warns your device is infected and gives a number to call for 'support'. Do not call. Devices do not detect viruses and text you a support line.

Related tricks worth knowing: the Fake Customer Support Number Scam and the Fake Tech Support Scam. For the wider picture, browse the Text Message Scams guides or run the message through our scam checker.

Scam statistics

$330M
reported lost to text-message scams in the US in 2022, more than double the year before
Source: US Federal Trade Commission
#1
fake bank fraud alerts were the most-reported text scam type in 2022
Source: US Federal Trade Commission

Tell-tale red flags

  • A virus or hacking warning delivered by text
  • A phone number to call for urgent 'support'
  • Pressure that your accounts or data are at risk
  • A request to install an app or grant remote access
  • Demands for payment to 'fix' the problem

Staying safe

  • Ignore the number; your phone does not text you virus alerts
  • Run a reputable security scan if you are genuinely concerned
  • Get support only from your device maker's official site
  • Delete the message and block the sender

How it usually reads

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: 'Security Alert: 3 viruses detected on your device and your accounts are at risk. Call our support line immediately to remove them: 1-8XX-XXX-XXXX'

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 to notice: A text warns your device is infected and gives a number to call for 'support'.

Steps if you already acted

  • If you called and installed software, remove remote-access apps and scan the device
  • If you shared card or bank details, contact your bank immediately
  • Change passwords from a separate, trusted device if you gave access
  • Watch for follow-up 'refund' calls that continue the scam

Common mistakes

  • Do not call the number in the text
  • Do not install software a 'support agent' requests
  • Do not allow remote access to your device

Scams like this one

High risk Online Shopping

Fake Customer Support Number Scam

In this scam, fake customer-service numbers appear in search results, ads, or pop-ups, so when you call for help with an order or account, a scammer poses as support and seeks payment, remote access, or your details.

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 Bank & Payment

Bank Impersonation Phone Scam

In this scam a caller pretends to be your bank's fraud team, claims your account is under attack, and pressures you to move money to a 'safe account', read out one-time codes, or grant remote access so they can steal your funds.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Your questions answered

Can a text really detect a virus on my phone?
No. Legitimate security warnings do not arrive as texts urging you to call a number. This is a tactic to get you on a call and into a scam.
Why do they want me to call?
A call lets a scammer talk you into installing remote-access software or paying for a fake fix, where they can view your screen and accounts.
I let them connect to my device. What now?
Disconnect, remove any remote-access tools, run a security scan, and change important passwords from a different, trusted device.
How do I get genuine help?
Contact your device manufacturer or a trusted local technician using official contact details, not a number sent in a text.

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.