Got a Scam Pop-Up? Here's What to Do

A scary pop-up appears on your screen. Loud alarm. Red warning text. "YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN INFECTED!" Call Microsoft Support at 1-800-FAKE-NUMBER immediately!

Take a breath. You're looking at a scam — and you're about to learn exactly what to do.

First: It's DEFINITELY a Scam

Microsoft, Apple, Google, Norton, McAfee — none of them put phone numbers in pop-ups. Ever. Period. If you're seeing a pop-up with a phone number, it's a scam. The "technicians" who answer those numbers are criminals in call centers who will try to:

• Get remote access to your computer
• Show you fake "evidence" of infections
• Charge you hundreds of dollars for fake repairs
• Install real malware on your computer
• Steal your banking information
• Lock you out of your own computer

If You're Seeing the Pop-Up RIGHT NOW

Don't panic. Here's what to do:

Step 1: Don't Call the Number

Whatever the pop-up says, don't call. Not even to yell at them. Every number on every tech support scam pop-up is run by criminals.

Step 2: Try to Close the Browser

Click the X on your browser window. If a dialog appears asking you to confirm, click "Leave Page." If it keeps re-appearing, try this:

• Windows: Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete, then Task Manager, then End the browser
• Mac: Press Cmd+Option+Esc, select your browser, Force Quit

Step 3: If Your Screen Is Locked

Some scam pop-ups use JavaScript to prevent you from closing them. In that case, restart your computer. Hold the power button down for 10 seconds if needed. When it restarts, don't reopen the browser yet.

Step 4: Don't Let Anyone Remote In

The #1 scam tactic: get you to install "support software" so they can "fix" your computer. This software is real remote access software, and it gives them complete control. Never install anything a pop-up tells you to install.

Step 5: Call Us

Call (440) 693-6363. We'll walk you through making sure your computer is safe.

If You Already Called the Number

Okay — this happens, and it's fixable. Do these things immediately:

1. Disconnect from the internet. Unplug your ethernet cable or turn off WiFi.
2. Turn off the computer. Just power it down.
3. Call your bank. Report any charges. Change your credit card.
4. Change passwords from a different device. Use your phone or another computer. Change email and banking passwords first.
5. Call us at (440) 693-6363. We'll clean your computer and help you secure your accounts.

The Most Dangerous Part

If you gave a scammer remote access, they may have:

• Installed remote access software that persists after you disconnect
• Installed malware or keyloggers
• Found and saved your banking info
• Changed your email password (to lock you out)
• Set up forwarding rules on your email (to monitor future messages)

A professional cleanup is critical after a scam. DIY cleanup often misses the persistent access tools these scammers install.

How to Help Elderly Family Members

These scams target seniors. If your mom, dad, or grandparent uses a computer, have this conversation:

• "If you EVER see a pop-up telling you to call a number, don't call it."
• "If someone calls you claiming to be Microsoft or Apple, hang up. They don't call customers."
• "If anyone asks to remote into your computer, say no."
• "Call me (or North Ridgeville Computer Services) if something looks scary."

We do no-pressure educational visits to help seniors recognize scams. Many families have us come out just for this reason.

Got a scam pop-up in North Ridgeville? Call us immediately at (440) 693-6363.