The fake tech-support pop-up

A fake pop-up or phone call pretends to be tech support, claiming your device has a problem, and pressures you to call a number or click a link so they can 'help.'

Documented by the FTC & FBI IC3 · reviewed 2026-07-11T18:14:57.874Z

How it works

You see an alarming pop-up on your screen (or receive a call) warning that your device is infected or compromised. The message urges you to act fast and contact a support number or click immediately. The pressure is intense because it feels like an emergency, but it's designed to make you act without thinking.

What it can look like

You're browsing the internet when a full-screen pop-up appears claiming your device has detected a virus and tells you to 'Call now: 1-800-HELP-XXX.' When you call, the person on the other end gains remote access to your computer and convinces you to pay for 'repairs' that never happen.

How it unfolds

Scams like this follow a pattern. Knowing the arc helps you notice where you are — and step away before the ask.

You're browsing the web when a pop-up suddenly appears claiming your device has a virus or security problem. It looks official, with urgent red warnings and a phone number or chat button. You didn't search for help—it just appeared.

You click the pop-up out of concern, or the pop-up redirects you to a fake support chat or call line. A person (or chat agent) is friendly and helpful-sounding. They ask permission to access your screen or device remotely to 'diagnose' the problem.

Once connected, they show you harmless system files or logs and claim these prove malware or hackers are active. They create panic and urgency, then offer to 'fix' it for a fee—usually by credit card over the phone or through a payment app.

Stop here: Hang up, close the chat, or disconnect remote access immediately. Real tech support from your device maker or bank will never cold-contact you this way, ask for remote access unsolicited, or demand immediate payment to remove a threat.

If you've already paid or shared access: Disconnect from the internet, contact your bank or card issuer right away, change all your passwords from a safe device, and report what happened to the FTC.

Red flags

A pop-up or call claiming urgent device problems and demanding immediate action.
A phone number or website link appearing out of nowhere, separate from your regular tech company.
Pressure to pay a fee before they'll 'fix' your device.
A request for remote access to your computer or sensitive information.
A caller or message claiming to be from your device maker, internet provider, or Microsoft (when you didn't contact them first).

What to do

Stay calm and do not click the pop-up link or call the number shown. Instead, close your browser or restart your device.
Contact your actual device maker or internet provider directly using the phone number on your official paperwork or their official website.
Report the pop-up or call to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

If it already happened

Acting quickly can limit the damage. You are not alone, and it is not your fault.

Stop all contact immediately. Hang up the phone, close the chat window, or disconnect remote access. Do not send any more money or information.
Call your bank or credit card company directly (use the number on the back of your card—never a number from the pop-up or email) to report the charge and ask if your card needs to be replaced or monitored.
Change your passwords for email, banking, and other sensitive accounts from a clean device using a strong, unique password for each. If remote access was granted, contact your device maker's support line to confirm no malware was installed.
Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Include the phone number or website from the pop-up, the date, and any payment details. The FTC uses these reports to identify scam patterns and warn the public.

Sources

Guidance on this page draws on public, authoritative consumer-protection resources (verified live 2026-07-10). Documented by the FTC & FBI IC3 · reviewed 2026-07-11T18:14:57.874Z.

Spotted this or lost money? Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov. This is general educational information, not legal or financial advice — and ScamVet never asks for your identity or account details.

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