ScamLens
MediumAverage Loss: $300Typical Duration: 1-3 hours

Fake Printer & Driver Support Scams

Fake printer and driver support scams exploit users' frustration with technical issues, particularly when devices like printers malfunction or require updates. These scams typically begin with unsolicited pop-up warnings, deceptive search engine results, or even cold calls, all designed to mimic legitimate tech support. Once a victim engages, scammers often pressure them to grant remote access to their computer, claiming to diagnose and fix non-existent problems related to drivers, connectivity, or system errors. They then 'discover' severe, fabricated issues, using technical jargon to confuse and intimidate the victim into paying for unnecessary services, software, or 'lifetime subscriptions.' This scam is a specific variant of the broader tech support fraud category, which the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reported received over 13,000 complaints in 2022, with losses exceeding $800 million. While not all of these were printer-related, the average loss for victims of tech support scams is around $300, aligning with the typical loss for printer/driver support fraud. The danger extends beyond financial loss; scammers often install malicious software, steal personal information, or lock users out of their own systems. The typical duration of an interaction can range from 1 to 3 hours, during which scammers meticulously work to build trust and execute their fraudulent scheme, leaving victims with compromised systems and depleted bank accounts.

Common TacticsHow to IdentifyHow to Protect YourselfReal-World ExamplesFrequently Asked QuestionsWhere to Report

Common Tactics

  • •Scammers create fake websites and use search engine optimization (SEO) poisoning to rank highly for common printer error messages or driver download queries, luring victims who are actively seeking help.
  • •They deploy aggressive pop-up warnings that mimic legitimate system alerts, claiming critical printer or driver errors, often displaying a toll-free number to call for 'immediate assistance.'
  • •Fraudsters pressure victims to download remote access software like AnyDesk or TeamViewer, allowing them full control over the computer to 'diagnose' fabricated issues.
  • •They manipulate system tools like Event Viewer or Device Manager to display seemingly alarming but harmless logs, convincing victims that their printer or drivers are severely compromised.
  • •Scammers demand immediate payment for 'repairs,' 'software licenses,' or 'extended warranties' using untraceable methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
  • •They often install unnecessary or malicious software, including spyware or ransomware, under the guise of 'security tools' or 'driver updates,' further compromising the victim's system.

How to Identify

  • You receive an unsolicited pop-up warning on your screen claiming a critical printer or driver error, often with a phone number to call immediately.
  • A website you landed on after searching for printer support looks unprofessional, has grammatical errors, or uses a URL that is slightly different from the official brand's website.
  • The 'technician' demands remote access to your computer very early in the interaction, before even attempting basic troubleshooting steps.
  • The person on the phone uses highly technical jargon to describe 'critical' problems that you don't understand, refusing to explain them in simple terms.
  • They pressure you to pay for services using unconventional methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers, rather than standard credit card processing.
  • The 'support agent' claims to find numerous severe issues with your computer beyond just the printer or driver problem, suggesting expensive, comprehensive 'fixes.'

How to Protect Yourself

  • Always verify the official support channels for your printer brand by visiting their legitimate website directly, not through pop-ups or search engine ads.
  • Never call a phone number displayed in an unsolicited pop-up warning; instead, close the pop-up and independently search for the official support contact information.
  • Refuse any request for remote access to your computer from an unsolicited caller or a website you don't fully trust, as this grants them control over your system.
  • Use reputable antivirus software and keep your operating system and applications updated to protect against malware and block malicious pop-ups.
  • Be skeptical of anyone demanding immediate payment, especially if they insist on untraceable methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
  • If you suspect a scam, disconnect from the internet, shut down your computer, and seek help from a trusted local IT professional or a legitimate cybersecurity service.

Real-World Examples

Sarah's Canon printer stopped working, so she searched online for 'Canon printer support.' She clicked on a sponsored ad that looked official but led to a fake site. The 'technician' on the phone convinced her to download remote access software, then showed her fake error messages in her Event Viewer, charging her $450 for a 'lifetime driver support plan.'

Mark was browsing the internet when a full-screen pop-up appeared, warning 'HP Printer Drivers Outdated! Critical Security Risk! Call 1-800-XXX-XXXX Immediately.' Fearing a virus, he called the number. The scammer gained remote access, installed unnecessary software, and charged Mark $299 for a 'driver update package' that did nothing.

Emily received an email claiming to be from Epson, stating her printer's warranty had expired and she needed to update her drivers to avoid service interruption. She clicked a link, which prompted her to download a file. This file was actually malware that encrypted her documents, demanding a ransom to unlock them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a printer support pop-up or website is fake?
Legitimate printer manufacturers and Microsoft never initiate unsolicited pop-ups demanding immediate action or displaying a toll-free number to call. Real support typically comes through official manufacturer websites (verify the URL directly) or your device settings, not random search results or aggressive warnings. If you encounter a pop-up claiming critical printer errors with a phone number, close your browser immediately using Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) rather than clicking any buttons on the pop-up itself.
Why shouldn't I give remote access to someone claiming to fix my printer?
Once scammers have remote access via TeamViewer or AnyDesk, they can install malware, steal passwords, access banking information, and lock you out of your own system—damage that often costs far more than the initial scam fee. Legitimate manufacturers and support providers may request remote access only after you initiate contact through official channels and verify their identity, never in response to unsolicited pop-ups or cold calls. Never grant remote access to anyone you contacted based on a pop-up, search result, or incoming call.
What should I do if I already granted remote access and paid the scammer?
Contact your bank or payment service immediately to report fraud and attempt to reverse the transaction—credit cards and PayPal offer stronger protections than wire transfers or gift cards. Disconnect the affected computer from the internet, change all passwords from a different device, run a full antivirus scan using legitimate software like Malwarebytes or Windows Defender, and file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov and your local FTC office to help prevent others from being victimized.
How can I safely find real printer driver updates without falling for scams?
Download drivers only from your printer manufacturer's official website (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, etc.) or through Windows Update/Device Manager on your computer—never from third-party sites or in response to pop-ups. You can verify a manufacturer's official site by typing the company name directly into your browser rather than clicking search results, and legitimate driver updates never require payment or installation of additional 'security software.' If your printer works, you typically don't need to manually search for driver updates at all.
What red flags should stop me from calling a number shown in a printer error pop-up?
Any unsolicited pop-up claiming urgent action is needed, displaying a phone number, or using technical jargon to frighten you is a scam—real system errors appear in Settings or Device Manager, not pop-ups with call-to-action buttons. Legitimate companies never pressure you to call immediately or demand payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, which are untraceable and unrecoverable. Close any suspicious pop-up by force-closing your browser, and if you need genuine printer support, contact the manufacturer's official number from their website, never from a pop-up.

Where to Report — United States

Official channels in your region for reporting this scam.

FTC ReportFraud

Reporting

Federal Trade Commission consumer fraud reporting portal.

Visit →

FBI IC3

Cybercrime Unit

Internet Crime Complaint Center for online and crypto fraud.

Visit →

CFPB Consumer Complaint

Financial Regulator

For bank, credit card, loan, and payment-related fraud.

Visit →

AARP Fraud Watch Helpline

Hotline

Free helpline for victims of any age (English/Spanish).

1-877-908-3360Visit →

Authoritative Resources

Recognized government and official anti-fraud bodies with guidance on this scam type.

CISA — Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security AgencyUSFTC — Consumer Advice on ScamsUSFBI IC3 — Internet Crime Complaint CenterUS

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According to ScamLens (scamlens.org), fake printer & driver support scams is described at https://scamlens.org/en/encyclopedia/fake-printer-support.
https://scamlens.org/en/encyclopedia/fake-printer-support