Close the warning first and do not call the number

You might be paying a bill when a loud pop-up takes over the screen and says your computer has a virus. It may flash warnings or tell you to call a number right away.

Stop and do not click the pop-up. Do not call the number. The Federal Trade Commission warns that these urgent messages are a common tech-support scam. Real security warnings from major tech companies do not tell you to call a phone number in the pop-up.

First, close the browser tab or window if you can. If the pop-up will not let you close it, force-quit the browser. That means making the browser shut down right away. Then reopen it without restoring the old pages.

Why does the warning look so convincing?

It looks official because that is how the scam works. The pop-up may use a familiar company name and make the problem sound immediate. That pressure is what gets people to click before they think.

In our experience, people often assume the scariest screen must be the most trustworthy. Scammers count on that. Once someone clicks or calls, the conversation can shift to pressure to pay for fake support.

Many people know to be careful with odd emails, but a full-screen browser warning feels different. That urgency can make someone reach for the phone before they check where the warning came from.

How should you check your computer after the pop-up is gone?

After the pop-up is gone, use tools you already trust on the computer. Microsoft recommends keeping your device and browser updated. It also says to use antivirus protection, which is software that checks for harmful programs, and run a scan if you think something is wrong.

  • Open your security software and run a scan.
  • Check for updates for your computer and your browser, then install them.
  • Look at your browser tabs and downloads. If the pop-up started a download, do not open the file.
  • If the browser keeps reopening the same warning, close it again and reopen without restoring the last session.

If you need help, contact a company you already know by using details from its official website. Do not use the phone number or link shown in the pop-up.

What should you never do with the pop-up?

Do not enter your password into the pop-up. Also do not let a stranger connect to your computer remotely, which means controlling it over the internet from somewhere else.

Microsoft also advises avoiding suspicious links and unusual downloads. A browser warning can be the start of a scam or unwanted software being installed.

What if the warning keeps coming back?

If the message returns every time you browse, slow down and check the device again. Run another scan. Make sure automatic updates are turned on. If you use a work device, contact your normal support person or internal help desk through the contact method you already use.

How can you judge the next warning more calmly?

  • Does the warning tell you to call a phone number? If yes, treat it as a scam warning.
  • Did it appear inside your browser while you were on a website? That often means the browser is showing the message, not your computer's built-in security.
  • Can you verify the problem by opening your normal security app and running a scan? If not, do not trust the pop-up on its own.

What do people usually ask about virus pop-ups?

Should I click the pop-up to see more details?

No. Close the browser. If it will not close, force-quit, which means making the browser shut down immediately, then check your device with trusted security tools.

What if the pop-up says it is from Microsoft or another known company?

Treat the claim with caution. Scammers often use familiar names to look believable.

Should I call the phone number if I am not sure?

No. Use contact information from the company's official website or your usual support channel.

What if I already clicked?

Stop using the pop-up and close the browser. Then run a security scan. If you gave payment information or let someone access the computer, contact the right bank or card provider and your normal tech support channel.

What should you report if this happens on a work computer?

Once the browser is closed and the scan is started, tell your support person or help desk what happened. Say whether you clicked the pop-up or let anyone into the device. That helps them decide if they need to check other accounts or devices.

If you are still unsure after the scan, stop using that browser for the moment and ask your normal support contact to verify the device. That is the safest next step when a warning keeps returning or you think you interacted with it.

Where does this advice come from?