I called the number in the popup. What do I do now?

If you called the number and gave someone access to your computer, get in touch with us as soon as possible. Your device needs to be checked and cleaned before you use it for anything sensitive. If you also gave payment information, contact your bank straight away.

How do I close a popup that will not go away?

Try pressing Alt + F4 on Windows, or Command + W on a Mac, to close the browser window. If that does not work, you can force-close your browser through Task Manager on Windows or Activity Monitor on a Mac. If you are not sure how to do this, give us a call.

Does my computer actually have a virus if a popup says so?

Not necessarily. Most virus warning popups are fake and designed to scare you into calling a number or clicking a link. A real security warning from Windows Defender or your antivirus software looks very different from a webpage popup. We can check your device and tell you what is actually there.

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What does a virus warning popup actually mean?

A scary popup on your screen does not necessarily mean your computer has a virus. Most of the time it is a fake, and knowing what to look for makes all the difference.

Quick Answer

Most virus warning popups you see on a website are fake. They are designed to frighten you into calling a phone number or clicking a link. Do not call the number and do not click anything in the popup. Close the browser window and carry on as normal.

If you are not sure whether what you saw was real or fake, or if you already clicked something and want to make sure your computer is safe, give us a call. We can check everything over for you.

How to tell if a virus warning is real or fake

Where did the warning appear?

This is the most important question. A real security warning from Windows or your antivirus software appears as a small notification in the bottom corner of your screen, or as a separate window outside your browser. If the warning appeared inside a webpage or browser tab, it is almost certainly fake. Real security software does not display warnings inside websites.

Does it include a phone number?

Real security warnings from Microsoft, Apple, or antivirus companies never include a phone number to call. If the popup has a phone number and is urging you to call it immediately, that is a scam. Calling the number connects you with someone who will try to convince you to give them access to your computer or pay for unnecessary services.

Is it making loud sounds or locking your screen?

Some fake popups play an alarm sound or display a message claiming your computer has been locked. This is a deliberate scare tactic. Your computer has not been locked. The sound and message are coming from the website you visited. Closing the browser window will stop it.

Not sure what you are dealing with?

We can visit your home in Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, or Oshawa, check your device, and tell you exactly what is there. One visit, one flat fee.

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Does it claim to be from Microsoft or Apple?

Fake popups very commonly claim to be from Microsoft or Apple. Neither company will ever contact you through a browser popup. Microsoft and Apple communicate through their operating systems directly, not through websites.

What if the popup will not close?

Some fake popups are designed to make it difficult to close the browser. Try pressing Alt + F4 on Windows to close the window, or Command + W on a Mac. If that does not work, you can force-close your browser. On Windows, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, find your browser, and click End Task. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, give us a call and we can walk you through it.

When should I actually be concerned?

You should take action if your computer is behaving strangely outside the browser, if your antivirus software (not a webpage) is flagging something, or if you already clicked a link or called a number from a suspicious popup. In those cases, it is worth having your device properly checked.

We can check your device for you

If you saw a warning popup and you are not sure whether your device is safe, we can come to your home and check it properly. We visit homes across Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, and Oshawa and do this kind of check regularly. You will know exactly what is on your computer before we leave.

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We check devices for viruses and scam software across Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, and Oshawa. One flat fee, no surprises, and we explain everything clearly.

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FAQ

Common questions about virus warning popups

I called the number in the popup. What do I do now?: If you called the number and gave someone access to your computer, get in touch with us as soon as possible. Your device needs to be checked and cleaned before you use it for anything sensitive. If you also gave payment information, contact your bank straight away.
How do I close a popup that will not go away?: Try pressing Alt + F4 on Windows, or Command + W on a Mac, to close the browser window. If that does not work, you can force-close your browser through Task Manager on Windows or Activity Monitor on a Mac. If you are not sure how to do this, give us a call.
Does my computer actually have a virus if a popup says so?: Not necessarily. Most virus warning popups are fake and designed to scare you into calling a number or clicking a link. A real security warning from Windows Defender or your antivirus software looks very different from a webpage popup. We can check your device and tell you what is actually there.