Online Safety
That Virus Warning Might Be a Scam
How to recognize fake security pop-ups before you call a scammer.
What a fake warning looks like
A browser page may flash, play an alarm, claim your computer is locked, or display a phone number for “Microsoft support.” A website cannot reliably diagnose your entire computer just by showing a pop-up.
Do not call the number
Do not give anyone remote access or pay a supposed support agent from an unexpected alert. Legitimate security notices do not need you to call a phone number displayed by a random web page.
Close the page safely
Try closing the tab or browser. If it will not close, use your operating system’s task manager to end the browser process, then reopen without restoring the suspicious tabs.
If you already interacted
Disconnect remote-access software if you can, change passwords from a trusted device, contact your bank if you paid, and run a reputable security scan. Consider reporting the scam to the FTC.
Need a hand?
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