You're browsing the internet when suddenly your screen freezes. A scary pop-up appears — often with a loud alarm sound — warning that your computer is infected, that hackers have your personal information, or that Microsoft has detected illegal activity. It tells you to call a phone number immediately.
This is a scam. Microsoft, Apple, Google — none of them put phone numbers in pop-ups. The "technicians" who answer those numbers are criminals who will ask you to give them remote access to your computer, then steal your banking information, install more malware, or charge you hundreds of dollars for fake repairs.
North Ridgeville Computer Services sees these scam pop-ups constantly. We specialize in removing them quickly and — if you've already called the scam number — cleaning up the damage.
If You're Seeing a Scam Pop-Up RIGHT NOW
- Do NOT call the phone number on the screen
- Do NOT enter any credit card or personal information
- Do NOT let anyone connect to your computer remotely
- Close the browser (or force-quit if it won't close)
- If the pop-up has locked your screen, restart your computer
- Disconnect from WiFi if you're worried
- Call us: (440) 693-6363
Already Called the Scam Number? Here's What to Do
- Disconnect your computer from the internet immediately
- Turn the computer off
- Call your bank and credit card company to report any charges and change cards
- Change passwords on important accounts (email, banking) from a DIFFERENT device
- Call us at (440) 693-6363 — we'll clean your computer and help secure your accounts
How We Fix Scam Pop-Ups
We remove any remote access software the scammers installed. We scan for any malware, backdoors, or persistence mechanisms. We check browser settings for changes. We review your accounts for suspicious activity. We strengthen your security and teach you what to watch for next time. Most scam pop-up cleanups are completed same-day.
How to Avoid Scam Pop-Ups in the Future
- Real tech companies never display phone numbers in pop-ups
- Real virus warnings come from your antivirus software, not a webpage
- If a pop-up has a countdown timer or urgent language, it's a scam
- Keep your browser and antivirus updated
- Use a pop-up blocker
- When in doubt, just close the browser — or call us
If your parents, grandparents, or other family members tend to fall for these scams, we're happy to provide a no-pressure educational visit to help them recognize them. Many North Ridgeville families have us come out specifically to help elderly parents secure their computers.