Is this virus warning pop-up real? It says my computer is infected and to call a number
No. A pop-up that says your computer is infected and tells you to call a phone number is a scam. Microsoft says its real error and warning messages never include a phone number. Don't call, don't click anything in it, and close your browser.
These fake warnings are web pages made to look like Windows or Apple alerts. They may flash, beep, go full screen or claim your files are being stolen. None of that means anything is actually wrong with your computer. The page just wants you scared enough to call.
The people on the other end pretend to be tech support. They ask to connect to your computer, then charge you for fake repairs, often by gift card. Real security alerts from Windows Security or your Mac never ask you to call anyone.
- Don't call the number or click any button on the pop-up
- Close the browser. On Windows, if it won't close, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, select the browser in Task Manager and choose End task
- On a Mac, press Option + Command + Esc and choose Force Quit for the browser
- When you open the browser again, don't reopen the tabs from last time
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The Fake Virus Warning
From the Scams & Fake Pop-ups course. Learn why scary virus pop-ups are fake and how to close them calmly.