Tech support call used Ultra Viewer

Thadius Williams 0 Reputation points
2026-06-06T03:53:50.67+00:00

I spent 3 hours on the phone with someone claiming to be Microsoft Technical support. I said I had problems with Microsoft Office and they in turn showed me and article from the FBI stating issues with hackers using said platform to hack your computer.

They asked to use remote access and then downloaded Ultra Viewer to access my computer and do multiple scans and set up a firewall.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Microsoft 365 Defender | For home | Windows
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  1. AI answer

    2026-06-06T03:54:11.1866667+00:00

    This interaction matches a known pattern of tech support scams and should be treated as a scam, not legitimate Microsoft support.

    Key facts from Microsoft guidance that apply to this situation:

    1. Microsoft does not make unsolicited support calls
    • Microsoft will never proactively reach out to provide unsolicited PC or technical support.
    • Any phone call from someone claiming to be “Microsoft” or “Windows Support” offering to fix problems, verify orders, or request personal/financial information is considered a scam.
    1. Error messages and pop-ups from Microsoft never include phone numbers
    • Genuine Microsoft error and warning messages never include a phone number to call.
    • Any message that directs to call a number for “Microsoft support” is part of a scam.
    1. Remote access tools like UltraViewer are a common scam tactic
    • Scammers frequently ask users to install remote access applications so they can “fix” problems.
    • Once connected, they misrepresent normal system messages as serious issues, run fake “scans,” and claim to set up protections such as firewalls.
    • During that time they can steal data, install malware, or change settings.
    1. What to do now Because remote access was granted for several hours, treat the device and accounts as potentially compromised:
    • Stop all interaction with the caller or any numbers/websites they provided.
    • Disconnect the device from the internet until checks are complete.
    • Uninstall UltraViewer and any other software they installed.
    • Run a full security scan with Microsoft Defender or the installed antivirus.
    • Change passwords for important accounts (email, Microsoft account, banking, etc.) from a known-clean device.
    • Monitor financial accounts and sign-in activity for suspicious behavior.
    • If any payment or card details were provided, contact the bank or card issuer and report a possible tech support scam.
    1. How to report the scam
    • Use Microsoft’s technical support scam form to report the incident so it can be investigated and used to improve protections.
    • Also report the incident to local authorities or consumer protection agencies as appropriate.
    1. How to avoid this in future
    • Never call numbers shown in pop-ups or unsolicited messages.
    • Never allow remote access to a device to anyone claiming to be “IT support” unless the contact was initiated through official Microsoft Support or an organization’s IT helpdesk.
    • If a browser page locks with a scary warning, close the browser (for example, via Ctrl+Alt+Del → Task Manager → end the browser process) and clear the browser cache.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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