Common scam pop-ups and what to do next
The fake virus warnings and 'ring this number' pop-ups aimed at older computer users, how to spot them, and what to do when one appears.
A pop-up appears. Bright red, maybe a siren noise, and a warning that your computer is infected and you must call Microsoft right away. It's meant to frighten you. And it's almost always a scam.
What they're really after
These fake warnings don't want to fix anything. They want you to phone a number and let a stranger take over your computer, or pay for "support" you never needed. Real security software doesn't tell you to ring anyone.
How to spot one
- A page or pop-up insisting your computer is infected.
- Urgent wording, sometimes with a countdown.
- A phone number for "technical support".
- It shows up while you're just browsing, out of nowhere.
What to do
First, don't call the number, and don't click the buttons inside the pop-up, not even the one that looks like it closes it.
Then close the browser. If the pop-up won't let you, close the whole browser window. Truly stuck? Holding the power button to restart the computer is fine.
And whatever happens, don't let a stranger take remote control of your computer because a pop-up told you to.
It often helps to say it out loud to someone you trust. Talking it through tends to make the right choice obvious.
The hard part is the moment of doubt
"Is this real?" is the worst bit, and it's exactly when a patient voice helps. That's what we're building Tuno to do: look at what's on your screen, tell you what it is, and help you handle it safely without taking over. Want to know when it lands in the UK? Leave your email.