Pop-ups, fake virus warnings & tech-support scams
← All tech-support guidesThat alarming pop-up — “Your computer is infected! Call this number now!” — is a scam, not a virus. Real security software never tells you to phone a number. Here's how to shut it down safely.
Never call the number in a pop-up, and never let someone who called you connect to your computer. Fake "Microsoft", "Apple", "Norton" and "bank" agents want remote access, gift cards, or your banking login. Hang up.
Close the pop-up safely
- Don't click anything inside the pop-up — not even its "Close" or "X". Those can be part of the trap.
- Close the browser tab, or the whole browser.
- If it won't close: Windows — Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) → select the browser → End task. Mac — ⌘+Option+Esc → Force Quit.
- When you reopen the browser, don't restore the old tabs.
Scan your computer
Run a full scan with Windows Security (Microsoft Defender) or your installed protection. Most of the time the pop-up was just a malicious web page and nothing was actually installed.
If you already gave someone access or paid:
- Disconnect from the internet (unplug the cable or turn off Wi-Fi).
- Turn the computer off.
- If you shared a card or bank number, call your bank's real number (from their website or the back of your card) right away.
- Change important passwords from a different, trusted device.
- Have the computer checked over before you use it again.
How to tell real from fake
- Real virus scans run inside your security app — never in a web page.
- Microsoft and Apple don't cold-call you.
- No legitimate company takes payment in gift cards or crypto.
- When in doubt, don't act on the message — ask someone you trust.