Tech support scam pop-up: the 'call this number' warning is fake

If a web page is telling you your computer is infected, blocked, or hacked — and wants you to call a phone number — it is a scam. Every time. Microsoft, Apple, and your antivirus company never put phone numbers in warnings, never lock your screen with an alert, and never ask you to call them. The page wants you on the phone so a fake 'technician' can talk you into paying for repairs you don't need.

How to close it safely

Do not click anything in the page — not 'Close', not 'OK', not the X it draws. Every button is part of the page.
Windows: press Esc to leave full-screen, then Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager, select your browser, and choose End task.
Mac: press Esc, then Cmd+Option+Esc, select the browser, and Force Quit.
When the browser reopens, if it offers to restore pages, say no — restoring brings the scam page back. Start fresh.
Run a full scan with Windows Security (Defender) or your installed antivirus. In nearly all cases it finds nothing, because nothing was installed.

The signs it was fake

A phone number in the warning. Real security software never does this.
Full-screen lock, a looping voice message ('do not shut down your computer'), or a blaring alarm sound — theatre, not software.
It appeared inside a web browser, often right after clicking an ad, a search result, or a 'you won' page.
Countdown timers, threats that your files or accounts will be deleted, or claims your IP address was reported.
It asks for payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency — no legitimate repair is billed that way.

If someone is on the phone with you right now: hang up. You cannot be arrested, fined, or have your computer seized over a pop-up. Nothing they say becomes more true if you stay on the line — the pressure is the product.

If you let them connect or paid

Cut the connection: uninstall any remote-access program they had you install and disconnect from Wi-Fi/ethernet until it's gone.
Call your bank or card issuer (the number on the card itself), dispute the charge, and ask them to watch the account. If you paid by gift card, contact the card's issuer — refunds are sometimes possible if reported fast.
Change passwords from a different device — email first, then banking. Turn on two-factor authentication where offered.
Run a full antivirus scan, and consider a reputable local repair shop or the device maker's genuine support line if anything still behaves oddly.

Common questions

I already called the number. What now? Hang up and stop all contact. If they had remote access, uninstall the remote tool (AnyDesk, TeamViewer, LogMeIn Rescue and similar) and disconnect from the internet until it's removed. If you paid, call your bank or card issuer immediately and dispute the charge. Then change important passwords from a different, clean device, and run a full scan with your real antivirus.

Can the pop-up itself infect my computer? Usually no — a pop-up is just a web page with loud styling. The danger starts when you call the number, download what they offer, or let someone connect remotely. Closing the page ends it in almost all cases.

Tech support scam pop-ups · Fake Windows Defender warning · Fake Error #268D3 · Fake ZEUS virus pop-up · Fake blue screen scam · Fake renewal email scam · Clicked a phishing link? · Fake Apple security warning · "Your computer has been locked" scam · Social Security scam calls · Fake Amazon account alerts · Someone has remote access to my computer

Tech support scam pop-up: the 'call this number' warning is fake

How to close it safely

The signs it was fake

If you let them connect or paid

Common questions

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