Fake Tech Support Pop-Up in Your Browser — "Your Computer Is Infected" Scam
A full-screen pop-up appeared in your browser with a loud alarm saying your computer is infected and you must call a support number immediately. You cannot close the window. Your computer is not infected. This is a browser-based tech support scam. The pop-up is just a web page. Do not call the number. Here is how to close it safely.
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How This Scam Works
Critical Risk — Your Computer Is Not Infected — This Is a Fake Pop-Up
The pop-up in your browser is a web page, not a real security alert. Your computer is fine. Do not call the number. Here is how to close it safely.
Note: This scam typically appears as a browser pop-up, not email. If you received a suspicious email, forward it to check@scam.support for a free risk assessment. For tech support scams, report to the FTC — see all reporting agencies.
A full-screen pop-up appeared in your browser with a loud alarm, flashing warnings, and text saying your computer is infected with a virus. It includes a phone number for "Microsoft Support" or "Apple Support" and may prevent you from closing the window. Your computer is not infected. This is a browser-based tech support scam — the pop-up is just a web page designed to scare you into calling.
If you call, scammers will ask for remote access to your computer and either install malware, steal banking credentials, or charge you hundreds of dollars for a fake repair.
According to the FBI's IC3, tech support fraud resulted in reported losses of over $924 million in 2023. These scams disproportionately target older adults, with victims over 60 accounting for the majority of losses.
Red Flags
- Full-screen browser pop-up with loud alarms or flashing warnings
- Claims your computer is infected and you must call immediately
- Provides a phone number for 'Microsoft Support' or 'Apple Support'
- You cannot close the browser window normally
- Neither Microsoft nor Apple sends virus alerts through browser pop-ups
How to Close the Pop-Up Safely
On Windows: Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete, open Task Manager, find your browser, and click End Task.
On Mac: Press Command+Option+Escape, find your browser in the list, and click Force Quit.
On both: After force-closing, do not restore the previous session when reopening your browser. Clear your browser history and cache.
What You Should Do
What To Do
- Do not call the phone number on the pop-up
- Force-close your browser using Task Manager (Windows) or Force Quit (Mac)
- Clear your browser cache and history after closing
- Run a scan with your existing antivirus software
- If you already called and gave remote access, disconnect from the internet and change all passwords from a different device
Sources
- FBI IC3 2023 Internet Crime Report (PDF)
- Microsoft Support — Protect yourself from tech support scams