The Tech
Grandkid

The Tech Grandkid · thetechgrandkid.com/scam-alerts/phantom-hacker-tech-support/

Scam alert · Pop-up, then phone calls

A pop-up says you've been hacked, then the "bank" and the "government" call

Posted October 14, 2026. Based only on the FTC and FBI warnings linked below.

What it looks like

  • A pop-up, text or email says your computer has a virus or was hacked, and gives a number to call.
  • A "tech support" person asks you to download a program so they can get into your computer.
  • They ask you to open your bank accounts to check for problems.
  • Next, someone from your "bank" calls and says a hacker got in. They tell you to move your money to a "safe" account.
  • Then someone from the "government" calls and backs up the story. They tell you not to tell anyone.

Why it works

The FBI says this scam hits older adults hardest. From January to June 2023, people reported more than $542 million lost to tech support scams. Almost half of the victims were over 60, and they lost 66% of the money.

What to do

  • Don't call the number in a pop-up, text or email. Real security warnings never ask you to call.
  • Don't download anything a stranger tells you to, and don't let anyone you don't know control your computer.
  • The government will never tell you to move your money to protect it. The FTC says that's always a scam. If a caller says they're from your bank and tells you to move money, hang up and call the number on your card.
  • Never pay with wire transfers, crypto or gift cards because someone called you.
  • Report it to the FBI at ic3.gov and the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Text this to someone you love

Heads up: if a pop-up says your computer is hacked and gives you a number, don't call it. It's a scam that ends with fake bank and government calls telling you to move your money. Call me first if anything like this happens.

Sources

Step-by-step help: Pop-up says I have a virus