Scam guide
Fake Virus Pop-Ups and Remote Access Scams
A loud computer warning can feel urgent, especially when it uses a familiar company name. The warning may be designed to make you call a scammer who asks for money, card details, or control of the computer.
Reviewed September 22, 2026
The short answer
Do not call the number in an unexpected pop-up and do not let the caller control the computer. Close the browser or restart the device, then get help from a person or company you already trust.
Common warning signs
- A browser window says the computer is infected and must be fixed immediately.
- The warning tells you not to close the window or turn off the device.
- A phone number appears inside the warning and claims to be technical support.
- Someone asks you to install software so they can view or control the computer.
- The caller asks for card details or payment by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or a payment app.
What to do instead
- Pause. A message on a web page is not proof that the computer has a virus.
- Do not call the number in the warning and do not select its download or support buttons.
- Try to close the browser. If it will not close, restart the computer.
- If you still think something is wrong, update the device's security software and run a scan.
- Contact a trusted person, the device maker, or a local repair service using contact information you found independently.
If someone already controlled the computer
Act promptly, but do not use the possibly affected computer for sensitive accounts until it has been checked.
- Disconnect the computer from the internet to end an active remote session.
- From a different device you trust, change the password for your email first, then other important accounts.
- Contact your bank or card company immediately if financial details were entered or displayed.
- Ask a trusted technician to check for remote-access software or other unwanted programs.
- Report the incident and keep any receipts or payment records.
Common questions
- How do I close a fake virus warning that will not go away?
- Try closing the browser window first. If it will not close, restart the computer. A web page cannot survive a restart, and nothing on that page can stop you from turning the device off.
- Is the phone number in a computer warning ever real?
- A genuine warning from your device or its security software does not ask you to phone anyone. Treat a support number that appears inside a browser window as part of the scam, and get help from a person or company you already use.
- What can someone do if I let them connect to my computer?
- Remote-access software lets another person see the screen, open files, and use anything you are already signed in to. If that has happened, disconnect the computer from the internet and change important passwords from a different device.
Practice this safely
Practice helping a family member respond to a loud computer warning without calling the number or granting remote access.
Every story is fictional. There is no timer, no score, and no real message, payment, or account.
Official sources
These links open official U.S. government guidance in a new tab. The destination is shown before you open it.
- FTC: How to spot, avoid, and report tech support scams (opens in a new tab)
consumer.ftc.gov
- Report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (opens in a new tab)
ReportFraud.ftc.gov
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Related scam guides
This page provides general educational information. It cannot determine whether a specific message is genuine, investigate an incident, or promise recovery or reimbursement.