That Scary Pop-Up Is Lying to You

You're browsing the internet when suddenly your screen fills with a terrifying warning: "YOUR COMPUTER IS INFECTED! CALL THIS NUMBER IMMEDIATELY!" Your speakers blare an alarm. The page won't close. It looks official, maybe even like it's from Microsoft or Apple.

Take a deep breath. It's fake.

At Computer Store KS in Topeka, we help customers recover from these scams regularly. Some catch it in time. Others unfortunately call the number first. Here's everything you need to know to protect yourself.

How Fake Virus Warnings Work

These scam pop-ups typically appear when you:
- Visit a compromised website
- Click a misleading ad
- Mistype a web address
- Follow a link from a phishing email

What they show you:
- Fake "Windows Defender" or "Microsoft Security" alerts
- Scary language about viruses, hackers, or identity theft
- A phone number to call for "immediate help"
- Sometimes a countdown timer to create panic
- Fake scanning animations

What they want:
- You to call their fake support number
- Remote access to your computer
- Your credit card information
- To install actual malware on your machine

Red Flags That Scream "Scam"

Real security software will NEVER:
- Display a phone number to call
- Lock your browser with a full-screen warning
- Play alarm sounds through your speakers
- Tell you your "identity has been stolen"
- Ask you to pay with gift cards
- Request remote access through a pop-up

Microsoft, Apple, and Google will NEVER:
- Call you about a virus on your computer
- Send pop-ups with phone numbers
- Ask for payment via gift cards or wire transfer
- Request your password through a pop-up

How to Close a Fake Pop-Up

Don't click anything on the pop-up itself. Not even the "X" button — it might be fake.

On Windows:
1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
2. Find your browser in the list (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
3. Click it and press End Task
4. When you reopen the browser, don't restore the previous session

On Mac:
1. Press Command + Option + Escape
2. Select your browser
3. Click Force Quit

If the pop-up won't close:
- Press Alt + F4 (Windows) or Command + Q (Mac)
- As a last resort, hold the power button to shut down
- The pop-up is just a webpage — it has no real power over your computer

What Happens If You Call the Number

Here's the typical scam call flow:

1. Convincing "technician" answers, sounds professional
2. They ask you to download remote access software (TeamViewer, AnyDesk, etc.)
3. They "scan" your computer and show you fake "problems"
4. They claim you need expensive "repairs" ($200-$800)
5. They ask for credit card info or gift cards
6. While connected, they may install actual malware or steal personal files

If You Already Called and Gave Access

Act immediately:

1. Disconnect from the internet — Unplug Ethernet or turn off Wi-Fi
2. Uninstall remote access software — Remove TeamViewer, AnyDesk, or whatever they had you install
3. Run antivirus scans — Use Windows Defender and Malwarebytes
4. Change your passwords — On a different device, change banking, email, and social media passwords
5. Contact your bank — If you paid them, report the fraud immediately
6. Monitor your accounts — Watch for unauthorized transactions
7. Report the scam — File at reportfraud.ftc.gov

If You Paid with Gift Cards

Gift card payment is a hallmark of scams because it's nearly untraceable. If you paid:
- Contact the gift card company immediately
- Some may be able to freeze the balance
- Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Unfortunately, recovery is difficult with gift cards

Real vs. Fake: A Quick Comparison

| Feature | Real Alert | Fake Scam |
|---------|-----------|-----------|
| Source | Your installed antivirus | Web browser pop-up |
| Phone number | Never shows one | Always shows one |
| Sound | Silent or single beep | Loud alarms, voice warnings |
| Action | Quarantine/remove option | "Call now" or "pay now" |
| Language | Technical, calm | Urgent, scary, threatening |
| Closeable | Yes, normally | Often locks your browser |

How to Prevent Scam Pop-Ups

1. Use an ad blocker — uBlock Origin is free and excellent
2. Keep your browser updated — Modern browsers block many scam sites
3. Don't click suspicious ads — Especially "download" or "your computer is slow" ads
4. Verify URLs — Type website addresses directly instead of clicking links
5. Educate family members — Seniors are disproportionately targeted

A Note About Seniors and Vulnerable Users

Tech support scams specifically target older adults and less tech-savvy users. If you have elderly parents or grandparents:
- Talk to them about these scams before they encounter one
- Set up an ad blocker on their browser
- Tell them to call you first, not the number on screen
- Make sure they know that real tech companies don't call about viruses

Our Scam Recovery Service

If you or someone you know fell for a tech support scam, bring the computer to Computer Store KS. We'll:

- Remove any malware the scammers installed
- Check for backdoors and remote access tools
- Verify your accounts haven't been compromised
- Secure your system against future attacks
- Provide honest advice on next steps

We've helped many Topeka-area residents recover from these scams. There's no judgment here — these scammers are professional criminals who manipulate people for a living.

Seen a suspicious pop-up? Don't call the number. Call us or bring your computer to Computer Store KS instead.