Getting scary pop-ups saying your computer is infected and to call a number? These are scams. Here’s how to identify and remove them.

How to Identify Fake Warnings

Signs of Scam Pop-ups

• Claim “Microsoft” or “Windows” detected virus
• Display phone number to call
• Say computer will be “disabled” or “locked”
• Loud alarm sounds
• Won’t let you close the window
• Full-screen with no close button
• Threatening countdown timer
• Grammar and spelling errors

What Legitimate Warnings Look Like

Real Windows Security alerts:

• Come from Windows Security app
• Don’t show phone numbers
• Don’t lock your screen
• Don’t play alarms
• Let you close them normally

Don’t Call the Number

These Numbers Are Scam Operations

If you call, scammers will:

• Pretend to be Microsoft/tech support
• Ask for remote access to your PC
• “Find” fake problems on your computer
• Demand payment for fake repairs
• Steal your financial information
• Install actual malware

Microsoft Never

• Shows phone numbers in pop-ups
• Asks you to call about infections
• Demands immediate payment
• Uses scare tactics

Close the Pop-up

Force Close Browser

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
2. Task Manager opens
3. Find your browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)
4. Click it > End task
5. Browser closes completely

If Keyboard Doesn’t Work

1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete
2. Click Task Manager
3. End browser process

Alternative: Restart Computer

1. Hold power button for 5-10 seconds
2. Computer turns off
3. Wait 30 seconds
4. Turn back on
5. Don’t restore previous pages

After Closing

Clear Browser Data

Chrome:

1. Settings > Privacy and security
2. Clear browsing data
3. Select All time
4. Check all boxes
5. Click Clear data

Edge:

1. Settings > Privacy, search, and services
2. Clear browsing data > Choose what to clear
3. Select All time
4. Check all boxes > Clear now

Firefox:

1. Settings > Privacy & Security
2. Cookies and Site Data > Clear Data
3. History > Clear History > Everything

Don’t Restore Tabs

When reopening browser:

• Don’t click “Restore”
• Start fresh
• Scam page may reload if restored

Scan for Malware

Windows Security Scan

1. Open Windows Security
2. Virus & threat protection
3. Quick scan (or Full scan)
4. Remove any threats found

Run Malwarebytes

1. Download from official Malwarebytes site
2. Install and run scan
3. Quarantine all threats
4. Free version is fine

Run AdwCleaner

Specifically for browser-based threats:

1. Download AdwCleaner from Malwarebytes
2. Run scan
3. Clean all found items
4. Restart computer

Check Browser Extensions

Remove Suspicious Extensions

Extensions can cause pop-ups:

Chrome:

1. Menu > Extensions > Manage Extensions
2. Remove anything you don’t recognize
3. Remove anything recently added

Edge:

1. Menu > Extensions
2. Remove unfamiliar extensions

Firefox:

1. Menu > Add-ons and themes
2. Extensions > Remove suspicious ones

Reset Browser Settings

If Pop-ups Continue

Chrome:

1. Settings > Reset settings
2. Restore settings to original defaults
3. Click Reset settings

Edge:

1. Settings > Reset settings
2. Restore settings to default values
3. Click Reset

Firefox:

1. Help > More troubleshooting information
2. Click Refresh Firefox

Block Pop-ups

Enable Pop-up Blocker

Chrome:

1. Settings > Privacy and security
2. Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects
3. Select “Don’t allow sites to send pop-ups”

Edge:

1. Settings > Cookies and site permissions
2. Pop-ups and redirects
3. Turn Block ON

Check Installed Programs

Remove Suspicious Software

1. Settings > Apps > Installed apps
2. Sort by Install date
3. Remove unfamiliar programs
4. Look for:
   • Programs you didn’t install
   • Fake antivirus software
   • Browser toolbars
   • “Cleaner” or “Optimizer” programs

What If You Called the Number

If You Gave Remote Access

1. Disconnect from internet immediately
2. Change all passwords (from different device)
3. Run full malware scans
4. Check for new software installed
5. Consider professional cleanup

If You Paid Money

1. Contact your bank/credit card immediately
2. Report fraudulent charges
3. Cancel the card if needed
4. Report to FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov

If You Gave Personal Information

1. Change all passwords
2. Enable two-factor authentication
3. Monitor credit reports
4. Consider credit freeze

Common Scam Messages

Example Fake Warnings

• “Windows Defender Security Warning”
• “Microsoft has detected malware”
• “Your computer has been blocked”
• “Call Microsoft Support Immediately”
• “Pornographic virus alert from Microsoft”
• “Your PC is infected with 5 viruses”

Always Fake If

• Shows phone number to call
• Claims to be from Microsoft
• Uses scare tactics
• Locks browser/computer
• Demands immediate action

How These Pop-ups Appear

Common Sources

• Malicious advertisements
• Compromised websites
• Clicking suspicious links
• Downloaded software
• Browser extensions

Prevention

1. Don’t click suspicious links
2. Use ad blocker
3. Keep browser updated
4. Don’t download from unknown sources
5. Be cautious with email links

Fake Virus Pop-up Problems? Our Dallas technicians remove scam software and clean up after tech support scams. We verify your computer is secure. Same-day service throughout DFW.

Remember

• Real viruses don’t show phone numbers
• Microsoft doesn’t call about viruses
• Close pop-ups, don’t engage
• When in doubt, run Windows Security
• Never give remote access to callers

Dallas-Fort Worth Tech Support

We help with scam pop-ups and legitimate virus concerns throughout DFW including Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Irving, Arlington, Richardson, and all surrounding areas.

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