{"type":"document","data":{"id":"cbcf4ce0-bce9-4a42-862d-51660e3e942b","localeString":"en-GB","publishDate":"2026-02-27T15:25:41.156+01:00","contentType":"onecms:productPage","hasMacro":false,"flexPageMetadata":{"afmBanner":false,"robotInstruction":{"noIndex":false,"noFollow":false},"description":"Learn how tech support scams work and how to protect yourself. Spot fake helpdesk calls, avoid remote access tricks, and act fast if targeted"},"mainHeaderZone":{"componentType":"productHeader","coreHeader":{"body":"You get a call from someone claiming to work for a major software company, saying there’s a problem with your computer. Or maybe you’ve called a helpdesk yourself because you think something’s wrong with your computer or email program. To fix the issue, you’re asked to pay.\r\nWarning: These are scammers. They won’t fix your computer: they’re after your money via a tech support scam.","headerImage":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/7edeceec-b9bf-44cf-9917-a265895f8b43/Top-view-of-a-mother-on-a-red-couch-working-from-home-while-her-young-daughter-is-watching-a-tablet-screen","type":"image","width":6720,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/26434f54859a18f6/original/Top-view-of-a-mother-on-a-red-couch-working-from-home-while-her-young-daughter-is-watching-a-tablet-screen.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"title":"Tech Support Scam"},"backLink":{"textLink":{"url":"/en/bank/safe-banking/types-of-fraud-and-scam/index-fraud-forms","text":"Types of scam and fraud"}}},"flexZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"How Tech Support Scams Work","richBody":{"value":"<ul><li>The scammer calls and claims to work for Microsoft, Google, or another big software company. They often speak English.</li><li>Or you call a fake Dutch helpdesk number you found online through a search engine (not on the official website).</li><li>Sometimes a pop-up appears on your screen with a helpdesk number.</li><li>The caller says your computer has a virus or another problem and offers remote assistance.</li><li>They ask you to install software like TeamViewer or AnyDesk so they can &apos;help&apos;. Once you do, you lose control of your computer.</li><li>They show fake screens to &apos;prove&apos; something is wrong.</li><li>Then they ask for payment. You may see a small amount first, but the scammer changes it. Or you keep getting error messages while multiple payments go through.</li><li>If you refuse, they may threaten to block your computer or files.</li></ul>"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"A Real Helpdesk Never Calls You Out of the Blue","richBody":{"value":"<ul><li><p>If someone calls claiming to work for a software company, hang up immediately. Don’t answer if they call again.</p></li><li><p>Microsoft and Google never call you. If you get such a call, it’s always a scam.</p></li><li><p>Looking for a helpdesk number? Make sure you’re on the official website. Use only the number listed there.</p></li><li><p>The Fraudehelpdesk website has an overview of official sites for major companies.</p></li><li><p>See a pop-up with a helpdesk number? Don’t call it. Instead, run an antivirus scan and check your computer for malware.</p></li></ul>"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"What to Do If You’re Targeted","richBody":{"value":"<ul><li>If someone calls saying there’s a problem with your computer: hang up immediately.</li><li>If you’ve already paid or notice money has been taken: contact our Hotline via chat on weekdays (8:30–17:00) or call 020 22 888 00 (available 24/7).</li><li>If you gave the scammer remote access: disconnect from the internet right away.</li><li>Scan your computer for viruses and malware.</li><li>Report the fraud to the police.</li><li>Smart banking = safe banking. Discover the <a data-type=\"internal\" href=\"/en/bank/safe-banking/5-bs\">5 Universal Safety Rules for banking</a></li><li>Forward suspicious emails and texts to valse-email@ing.nl</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>Important:</strong> This email address is only for reporting fake emails, SMS messages, or phishing links pretending to be ING. Do not send personal data or documents. For details on your rights, see our <a data-type=\"internal\" href=\"/en/bank/privacy-statement/updated-ing-privacy-statement\">Privacy Statement</a> on ing.nl.</p>"}},{"componentType":"linkList","iconTitle":{"icon":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/f52818ae-9791-4ef7-9799-d3f991c2e3b4/Functionalities-Lock_Confirmation_Outline","type":"image","width":32,"altTextNL":"\"\"","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/5b979bd44d912a17/original/Functionalities-Lock_Confirmation_Outline.svg","extension":"svg"},"title":"Safe banking"},"textLinks":[{"url":"/en/bank/safe-banking/report-fraud","text":"Report fraud to the Hotline"},{"url":"/de-ing/veilig-bankieren/soorten-oplichting-fraude","text":"More types of scams and fraud"},{"url":"https://zowerktfraude.nl/","text":"Recognising & preventing fraud"},{"url":"/en/bank/safe-banking/5-bs/update-your-browser-and-operating-system","text":"Which browser, even with screen reader"}]}]}}}