High riskTech Support

Fake Virus Pop-up Scam

In this scam, a full-screen pop-up or alarming web page claims your device is infected and urges you to call a 'support' number or download a fix, leading to remote access or bogus payments.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Scareware (tech support)
Main red flag
A pop-up claiming your device is infected with a number to call urgently.
What to do first
Do not call. Close the page or restart; web pages cannot scan your device.

How this scam works

In this scam, a full-screen pop-up or alarming web page claims your device is infected and urges you to call a 'support' number or download a fix, leading to remote access or bogus payments.

Tech-support scams use pop-ups, emails, and cold calls claiming your device is infected or your account is at risk. The "fix" is always remote access, which hands criminals control of your machine, your logins, and often a fake "refund" that reverses in their favour.

In short, the giveaway is usually simple: A pop-up claiming your device is infected with a number to call urgently. Do not call. Close the page or restart; web pages cannot scan your device.

Scammers rotate tactics constantly, the same operation may also run the Fake Tech Support Scam and the Remote Access Scam. See the full Tech Support & Computer Scams guides hub, or test a suspicious message with the scam checker.

How to spot this scam

  • A pop-up claiming your device is infected
  • A number to call or a fix to download urgently
  • Alarming sounds, flashing warnings, or a locked screen
  • Claims you must not restart or close the page
  • A 'support' number not from your real provider

What the message looks like

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: 'WARNING: Your device is infected with viruses! Do not restart. Call support now: [number]' filling your screen with alarms.

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

What gives it away: A pop-up claiming your device is infected with a number to call urgently.

The scale of it

Older adults
are the group most affected by tech-support scams, with the highest reported losses
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
$2.7B
reported lost to imposter scams in the US in 2023, which include tech support fraud
Source: US Federal Trade Commission

How to protect yourself

  • Close the browser or restart your device; the page cannot scan it
  • Do not call the number or download anything
  • Run a scan with your genuine security software if concerned
  • Report the page and avoid the source link

Already responded? Do this now

  • If you called and installed software, remove it and run a scan
  • If you shared card or bank details, contact your bank
  • Change passwords from a trusted device if you gave access
  • Watch for follow-up 'refund' calls

Mistakes to avoid

  • Do not call the number in the pop-up
  • Do not download a 'fix' it offers
  • Do not believe you cannot restart your device

Related scams to know

High risk Email

Fake Tech Support Scam

This scam uses a pop-up, email, or phone call warning that your computer is infected or your account is compromised, urging you to call a number or allow remote access, after which the fake 'technician' charges fees, installs software, or takes your data.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Tech Support

Remote Access Scam

In this scam, a caller or pop-up convinces you to install remote-access software so 'support' can fix an issue, then uses the control to view your screen, steal data, and move money.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Social Media

Fake CAPTCHA Scam

In this scam, a fake CAPTCHA or 'verify you're human' page, often reached via social links or videos, instructs you to press keys or paste a command that secretly installs malware on your device.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Common questions

Can a website detect a virus on my device?
No. A web page cannot scan your device. Pop-ups claiming you are infected and urging you to call are scareware designed to frighten you into calling.
The screen seems locked. What do I do?
Close the browser or restart your device. If a tab keeps reopening, force-close the browser. The 'do not restart' warning is part of the scam.
I called and gave access. What now?
Remove any software, run a security scan, contact your bank if you shared details, change passwords from a trusted device, and watch for follow-up calls.
How do I check for real malware?
Use your genuine, installed security software, not a number or download from a pop-up.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Written & reviewed by the

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.