Here is what is actually happening behind the scenes:
The Federal Trade Commission’s complaint line (1-877-FTC-HELP). If you see a "US Tech Support 91101" pop-up, report it. You aren't just saving your own computer; you are helping shut down the boiler rooms that prey on the elderly and the technologically anxious.
Let’s talk about what “91101” actually means, why scammers love it, and how to find legitimate tech support in the digital age. First, a geography lesson. 91101 is a prestigious ZIP code in Pasadena, California. It covers the Civic Center, Old Pasadena, and the Del Mar Station area. It is home to Caltech, the Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL), and a thriving ecosystem of legitimate startups and IT consulting firms. ustechsupport 91101
Pasadena, CA (91101) & The Wild West of the Web
You call the number. The "technician" (who is actually sitting in a boiler room call center in Delhi or Kolkata) asks for your ZIP code to "verify your service region." You say 91101. They say, "Ah, yes, we have a service center in Pasadena. We are certified by Microsoft." This is a lie. They have a PO Box or a virtual office rented in 91101, if they have anything at all. Here is what is actually happening behind the
The "91101" in the search term is a honeypot. It is designed to catch people who are trying to do the right thing—verify a company's location. But legitimate IT firms do not advertise through browser lockers.
Stay skeptical, Pasadena. And never give a stranger the keys to your castle. Have you encountered a "91101" tech support scam? Share your story in the comments below. Let’s talk about what “91101” actually means, why
If a pop-up on a website tells you to call "US Tech Support" at 1-888-XXX-XXXX because your "Windows license has expired," there is a 99.9% chance it is a scam. The Anatomy of the "91101" Tech Support Scam Let’s assume you are currently staring at a flashing red screen that says "System Alert: Virus Detected. Call US Tech Support in Pasadena, CA (91101) immediately."