That Scary Pop-Up Is Lying: How to Spot Fake Tech Support Scams

It usually happens while you’re doing something ordinary — reading the news, searching for a recipe. Suddenly the screen fills with a red warning, an alarm starts blaring, and a message says your computer is infected and you must call Microsoft (or Apple, or your bank) right now.

It’s fake. Every time. And it’s one of the most common scams we help Northern Virginia families recover from.

How the scam works

The pop-up is just a web page designed to look like a system alert. It can’t actually scan your computer. Its only job is to scare you into calling the number. On the other end, a “technician” asks you to install remote-access software, then “finds” problems and charges hundreds of dollars — or quietly steals passwords and banking details while connected.

Red flags

• A phone number on the screen — real Microsoft and Apple warnings never include one
• Loud alarms, countdown timers, or threats that your data will be deleted
• The browser seems stuck and won’t let you close the page
• Anyone asking you to pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
• An unexpected call claiming your computer is sending out viruses

What to do if you see one

• Don’t call the number.
• Close the browser. If it won’t close, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and open Task Manager to end it, or simply restart the computer.
• When the browser reopens, don’t restore the previous tabs.

If you already called or let them connect

Don’t be embarrassed — these scammers are professionals. Act quickly:

• Disconnect the computer from the internet
• Call your bank or card company if you paid or shared financial details
• From a different device, change your email password first, then banking and other important accounts
• Have the computer checked for remote-access tools and malware before using it again

We can remove leftover remote-access software, clean up any malware, and help secure your accounts — on-site or, once it’s safe, remotely.

The best defense: save a trusted number

Scammers rely on panic and on you searching for help online, where fake support numbers are everywhere. Save a tech you trust in your phone now — ours is 703-635-4265. Then take our free Cyber Safety Checkup to see how well you’re protected against this and other common scams.