Pop-ups that say your computer is infected and list a phone number
Federal Trade CommissionNationwide
On April 14, 2025, the FTC warned about urgent on-screen messages that say something is wrong with your computer. The pop-up may suggest it is from Microsoft, Apple, or Geek Squad. Clicking the link or calling the number can lead to a claim that the device is infected, which the FTC says is a lie, and to a fee for tech support that does not fix a real problem.
A separate FTC guide describes a related version of the same scheme. A caller or the person behind the pop-up asks for remote access, pretends to scan the computer, and demands payment by gift card, wire, bank transfer, cryptocurrency, or a payment app. Some of those calls are then handed to someone posing as a government official who says your money must be moved to protect it, placed in a federal safety locker, or handed over as gold or cash. The FTC says there is no such locker, and that a real government employee will not demand that kind of payment.
Red flags
- A pop-up says your computer has a virus and tells you to call a phone number.
- The warning uses the name of Microsoft, Apple, Geek Squad, or another company you did not contact.
- The person who answers wants remote access and then announces they found a serious infection.
- Payment is limited to a gift card, wire, cryptocurrency, or payment app, or you are transferred to a supposed official who tells you to withdraw cash or buy gold.
How to protect yourself
- Security pop-ups from real tech companies do not ask you to call a phone number. Do not click and do not call.
- If you are worried about the computer, update its security software and run a scan.
- Get help from a company or a repair shop you already trust, and contact any brand only through the phone number or chat listed on that company's own website.
- Legitimate tech companies do not call, email, or text you to say there is a problem with your computer.
If you are hit
- Hang up and do not grant remote access. If you already did, disconnect the device from the internet, then update security software and scan it, or take it to someone you trust.
- Report the pop-up at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- If you paid or moved money, contact that company immediately. The FTC's guide is at consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed
Questions
Is Pop-ups that say your computer is infected and list a phone number a scam?
On April 14, 2025, the FTC warned about urgent on-screen messages that say something is wrong with your computer. The pop-up may suggest it is from Microsoft, Apple, or Geek Squad. Clicking the link or calling the number can lead to a claim that the device is infected, which the FTC says is a lie, and to a fee for tech support that does not fix a real problem. This page summarizes a public warning from Federal Trade Commission dated April 14, 2025. The linked source is the record.
What should I do if I fell for it?
Hang up and do not grant remote access. If you already did, disconnect the device from the internet, then update security software and scan it, or take it to someone you trust. Report the pop-up at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov. If you paid or moved money, contact that company immediately. The FTC's guide is at https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed.
Sources
- Seemingly urgent security messages could lead to tech support scamsFTC Consumer Advice
- How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Tech Support ScamsFTC Consumer Advice
This summary is informational and not legal advice. If it and the linked source disagree, follow the source.
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