Your screen suddenly fills with flashing warnings, a blaring alarm, and a phone number to call “Microsoft Support.” Your computer is fine. The pop-up is the scam.
Perfect for sending to someone who won't read a whole article.
You’re browsing, and suddenly your screen goes red. Alarms blare. A giant warning says your computer is infected, your files are at risk, and you must call “Microsoft Support” immediately at the number shown. Sometimes you can’t even close the window.
Take a breath. Your computer is almost certainly fine. The pop-up itself is the scam.
A pop-up with a phone number is a sign a stranger taped to your front door. Real companies don’t put phone numbers in alarm banners, and they never call you first to say your computer has a problem.
These pop-ups come from shady ads or bad websites, not from a real virus. They’re designed to scare you into calling. When you do, a friendly “technician” asks you to install a remote access app like AnyDesk or TeamViewer so they can “fix” things.
Once they’re in, they show you fake “proof” of infections, then charge hundreds of dollars for repairs or a “security plan.” Worse, while they’re connected, they can install real malware, steal passwords, or get into your online banking.
The same trick comes by phone too: “This is Microsoft, we’ve detected a problem with your computer.” Microsoft, Apple, and your internet provider don’t make those calls. Hang up.
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