If a sudden popup appeared on your screen warning you that your computer has a virus — and telling you to call a phone number immediately — do not call that number. It is almost certainly a scam.
Here is exactly how it works, why it looks so convincing, and what to do right now.
What Is the Tech Support Popup Scam?
You are browsing normally when suddenly your screen fills with a loud warning. It might say:
“Your computer has been infected with a virus”
“Your Windows license has expired”
“Call Microsoft Support immediately: 1-800-XXX-XXXX”
“Do not shut down your computer”
Sometimes an alarm sound plays. Sometimes the screen appears to freeze. It feels urgent and frightening — which is exactly the point.
This is not a real warning from Microsoft, Apple, or any legitimate company. It is a fake alert designed to frighten you into calling a number where a scammer is waiting.
What Happens If You Call?
The person who answers will sound professional and helpful. They will claim to be from Microsoft, Windows Support, or a similar company. They will then:
Ask you to install a program so they can “fix” your computer remotely
Once connected, show you fake “evidence” of viruses and problems
Charge you $200 to $500 for fake repairs
In many cases, quietly steal passwords, bank details, or install real malware while pretending to help
Americans lost $2.1 billion to tech support scams in 2025 alone, according to the FBI. The victims are most commonly people in their 40s, 50s, and 60s — not because they are careless, but because these scams are professionally designed to deceive anyone.
Six Signs It Is a Scam
Microsoft, Apple, and Google never display a phone number to call in a security warning
Real virus warnings never make noise or play alarm sounds in your browser
Legitimate companies never ask you to install remote access software over the phone
The popup appeared while browsing a website, not from your security software
The message creates extreme urgency — “do not turn off your computer”
The phone number is not the official support number listed on the company’s real website
What To Do Right Now
If you see one of these popups:
Do not call the number — under any circumstances
Close the browser tab — press Ctrl+W on Windows or Cmd+W on Mac
If the screen appears frozen, hold the power button for 5 seconds to shut the computer down completely
Restart your computer normally — the popup will be gone
Run a scan with Windows Defender (already built into Windows, completely free) to confirm your computer is clean
If you already called and gave access, contact your bank immediately, change your passwords, and report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
The popup disappears when you close the browser or restart. Your computer was never actually infected.
Already Been Scammed? Here Is Where to Report It
FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
FBI IC3: ic3.gov
Your state attorney general’s office (search “[your state] attorney general scam report”)
Reporting matters — even if you cannot recover your money, your report helps authorities track and shut down these operations.
Check Any Suspicious Message With Our Free Tool
Not sure if something on your screen or in your inbox is real? Use our free Scam Checker tool at scamread.com/tools (coming soon) to get an instant answer.