Scams and phishing
The pop-up says your computer is infected. It isn't.
The screen goes red, an alarm sounds and a message says your computer is infected. It tells you to call Microsoft support right away on the number shown.
1 min readWhat to do if
The short version
A loud warning fills the screen and gives a phone number to call. It is a scam designed to get you to let a stranger into your computer.
What is really happening
This is a web page, not a virus warning. It was designed to look like a system alert and often tries to take over the whole screen so it is hard to close. The number connects to scammers who will ask you to install remote-access software, then “find” problems and charge you to fix them. Once they are connected, they can steal passwords and files or install anything they like.
Real security warnings never ask you to phone a number, and Microsoft does not put phone numbers in error messages.
What to do
- Do not call the number, and do not click anything on the page.
- Close the browser. If it will not close, press Ctrl, Alt and Delete and choose Task Manager, or simply restart the computer.
- Tell IT, especially if you already called or let someone connect.
If you already let someone connect
- Disconnect the computer from the internet.
- Call your IT team right away. The computer needs to be checked, and passwords changed from a different device.
- If you paid by card, call your card issuer.
The rule for remote sessions
Only allow a remote support session that you asked for, with someone you contacted through a number you already know. Our clients start sessions from the Remote support button on our own website, for exactly this reason.
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Tell us what you run today and what is getting in the way. We will get back to you about how we can help.