I know many people who have been online and have suddenly seen a giant flashing warning that says “Your computer is infected! Call this number now!”. If you’ve seen this, you have likely run into a tech support popup scam.
These popups are designed to scare you. They often take over your whole screen. They might beep loudly. Some even pretend to “scan” your computer and show a long list of fake problems. The message usually claims to be from a well known company like Microsoft or Apple. The logo looks real. The wording sounds urgent. That is exactly the point.
Here is the truth. Real companies do not send random popups with phone numbers telling you to call immediately. They do not lock your browser. They do not demand payment to “unlock” your device.
The goal of the scam is simple. They want you to panic and call the number. When you do, someone answers pretending to be a technician. They may sound professional and patient. They might walk you through steps that seem helpful. Often, they will ask you to download remote access software so they can “fix” the issue.
Once they have access to your computer, things can go downhill fast. They can look through your files, install real malware, steal passwords, or pressure you to pay hundreds of dollars for a fake repair plan. Some even ask for payment in gift cards, which is a huge red flag.
If you ever see one of these popups, do not call the number. Do not click any buttons inside the message. Instead, close your browser. If it will not close, you can force quit the browser or restart your computer. When you open it again, avoid restoring the previous browser session if it tries to reopen the same page.
These scams work because they play on fear. The screen looks serious. The language feels urgent. But remember, a real company is not going to chase you down with flashing warnings and a countdown timer.