Ever opened Event Viewer on your Windows computer and wondered why it is full of warnings and errors? Did it make you think something was wrong? That is exactly what scammers want you to believe. One of the oldest but still very active tech support scams uses Event Viewer as bait. If you do not know how it works, it is easy to get caught.
So how does the Event Viewer scam actually play out, and more importantly, how do you protect yourself? Let’s walk through it.
What the Event Viewer really does?
First, let’s clear up what Event Viewer is supposed to do. It is a built-in Windows tool that quietly records everything happening on your computer. An app froze for a second? Logged. A driver did not load on time? Logged. A service started later than expected? Logged.
Does that mean your computer is broken? Not at all. Event Viewer uses categories like Information, Warning, Error, and Critical. Even a brand-new PC will show warnings and errors. That is normal.
Also Read: How to use the Event Viewer
So why do scammers focus on it? Because most people do not know this, and seeing dozens of red and yellow icons looks alarming if you do not know what they mean!
How the Event Viewer scam starts?
It usually begins with either a phone call or a scary pop-up on your screen. The caller pretends to be from Microsoft or some Windows support team. The message is always urgent: your computer is infected, your license has expired, or your data is at risk.
Have you noticed how they push you to act quickly? That is intentional. When you are stressed, you are more likely to follow instructions without questioning them.
And what is the first thing they ask you to do? Open Event Viewer.
The fake errors in Event Viewer!
Once you open it, they guide you to the System or Application logs. You will see lines of entries, many marked with red Xs or yellow warning signs. At this point, the scammer says, “See? Those errors are proof that your computer is hacked.”
But here is the truth. Those logs are harmless most of the time. On my own PC, which works perfectly fine, I can open Event Viewer and find dozens of warnings right now. It does not mean my system is infected. It just means Windows is recording every tiny change or issue in the background, which is exactly what it is designed to do.
Scammers rely on the fact that you do not know this. They take something ordinary and twist it into fake evidence.
What do scammers want?
Once they have convinced you that your computer is in danger, the scammer pushes for the next step. This is where the real damage happens.
Sometimes they ask you to pay for “technical support” or fake antivirus software. Other times, and this is worse, they ask you to install remote access software. Once you give them control, they can do whatever they like. They can copy files, install malware, or lock you out of your own computer!
Sounds extreme, right? But it happens every day.
Why do people still fall for such scams?
You might wonder, how do people still fall for this? The answer is simple. It feels convincing. You see real errors on your own computer, a caller sounds professional, and they insist they are from Microsoft. Add some fear and urgency, and many people panic.
That is why this scam still works after all these years.
The same tactic is also employed in the Microsoft tech support scam!
How to protect yourself from the Event Viewer scam?
So how do you make sure you never fall for it? Here are the rules you need to remember:
- Microsoft will not call you. No legitimate company phones random users to talk about Event Viewer errors.
- Warnings are normal. Every Windows machine shows them. They are not proof of a virus or issues with the PC.
- Never give remote access. If a stranger wants you to install software or give them a code, stop immediately.
- Do not share personal or payment details. Real support will not demand credit card numbers over the phone.
- When in doubt, check with someone you trust. A local IT tech or even a family member who knows computers is safer than a stranger on the phone.
What if you already fell for it?
If you have already let a scammer in, do not panic, but act fast. Disconnect your computer from the internet right away. Remove any software they installed. Run a scan with a trusted antivirus program. Change your passwords, especially for banking and email. If you shared payment details, contact your bank as soon as possible.
And yes, report it!
Every report helps make it harder for scammers to operate. You can file with local cybercrime authorities, consumer protection agencies, or Microsoft directly.
So, is Event Viewer itself dangerous?
On its own, No! Event Viewer is completely safe. In fact, it is a useful tool if you know how to read it. The problem is not the tool. The problem is scammers twisting something normal into fake proof.
Here is the bottom line. Event Viewer logs look intimidating, but they are not a sign of infection. If someone points at those logs and tells you otherwise, that is your cue to hang up!
With over five years of experience in the tech industry, Kazim excels at simplifying complex topics, making them accessible to tech enthusiasts and general readers alike. He has contributed to several renowned publications worldwide, including WindowsReport and Allthings.how, bringing insightful coverage of key developments in the field.
Kazim has extensively covered the Windows ecosystem, from the early days of Windows 7 to Windows 11. Unlike many in the field, he’s optimistic about Windows 11, calling it the most user-oriented iteration to date.
When he’s not writing, you’ll find Kazim planning weekend getaways or diving into tech verticals beyond his expertise.
