Ever receive an unsolicited email or phone call from someone in "tech support" saying your computer is riddled with viruses? How about a pop-up window or advertisement claiming your computer is infected? You're not alone.
According to a recent Microsoft survey of 16,048 adult internet users in 16 countries, more than 3 in 5 consumers have encountered tech-support scams, and 1 in 5 has lost money to this type of fraud.
But here's the good news: Microsoft found that tech-support scams have become less pervasive than they were in 2016, when the software giant released its inaugural version of this survey. That change was largely driven by a decline in pop-up windows and ads—but Microsoft found that other types of tech-support scams, including unsolicited calls, emails, and website redirects, have also gone down.
Moreover, fewer people lost money to tech support scams: Six percent did in 2018 compared with 9 percent in 2016.
"Unsolicited contact has become a red flag for consumers that signals a potential scam," Microsoft wrote.
Although things are getting better, tech-support scams are still a problem. Microsoft found that millennials, males, and Generation Z are most likely to lose money to this type of fraud, oddly enough because of their tech savvy.
"They engaged in riskier online behavior such as visiting torrent sites, have a greater familiarity with technology companies than older generations, and were potentially hurt by overconfidence in their device and web expertise," Microsoft wrote.
When people fall victim to tech-support scams, money isn't the only thing they lose. Fifty-two percent of victims spent time checking and repairing their PCs. These incidents can also mess with people's peace of mind; more than 75 percent said they suffered moderate to severe stress thanks to the fraud.
Microsoft says it receives about 11,000 complaints from tech-support scam victims around the world every month. The company recommends that people be suspicious of unsolicited pop-ups; if you see one, don't click on it or call the number.
Microsoft and other reputable tech companies do not proactively reach out to customers to provide unsolicited tech support. If you have an issue with your device, you must initiate contact.
If you think you may have been the victim of a tech support scam, consider reporting the incident to Microsoft and your local consumer protection authority.