Tech support scam pop-up: what to do if you see one

Concerns & risks

A scary pop-up is telling you to call a support number about a virus.

Causes & evidence

The FTC explains that tech support scammers try to scare you into believing your computer has a problem so you'll pay for unnecessary services. They may use pop-up warnings that look like error messages from your operating system or antivirus software, often with a phone number to call. The FTC says legitimate tech companies won't contact you by phone, email or text to say there's a problem with your computer, and their security pop-up warnings never ask you to call a phone number. If you get a pop-up like this, don't call or click; close the browser, and if it won't close, restart the computer. If you already gave a scammer remote access or payment, update security software, run a scan, change passwords and contact your card company.

Scammers may also call you directly claiming to be from a well-known tech company. Hang up and contact the company through its official site if you're worried. It's also a good idea to keep your browser and operating system updated, since updates can block some scam pages and pop-up tricks. If an older relative uses your computer, show them what a fake warning looks like and agree on a simple rule: never call a number from a pop-up, and ask a family member first.

Calling the number on the pop-up hands the scammer the chance to take remote control or your money.

What to do

1. Don't call the number or click anything in the pop-up.
2. Close the browser tab; if it's stuck, restart the computer.
3. Run your security software's scan.
4. If you gave remote access, disconnect and change passwords from another device.
5. Report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Common mistakes:

• Calling the number
• Allowing remote access
• Paying with gift cards

ReportSpeedMan tip: If you really need help, contact the company using the support details on its official website, not a pop-up.

What I would actually do

I'd close the browser, restart if needed and run a scan, without touching the phone number.

The trade-off people miss: the loud alarm and frozen screen are designed to create panic; restarting usually ends it.

How you can tell it worked

The pop-up is gone, a scan is clean and you never called the number.

Quick FAQ

Can a website really infect my computer?
The pop-up itself is usually just a scare page.

Should I pay to remove it?
No.

What if they call me?
Hang up.

Wrap-up: A pop-up with a phone number is a scam. Close it, restart if needed and never call.

Wiki: Phishing and Identity Theft Recovery Steps.

Tech support scam pop-up: official sources I checked

• FTC: How to spot, avoid, and report tech support scams
• FTC: ReportFraud