Phone Active Last seen May 19, 2026

Tech support pop-up that locks your screen.

A loud pop-up on a website claims your computer is infected and tells you to call a number for Microsoft or Apple to fix it.

How it shows up

  • Browser hijack pop-up Full-screen, audio plays, mouse seems stuck.
  • Apple security alert on iPhone Safari Same idea, mobile version.
  • Refund scam follow-up We owe you a refund for that antivirus you bought, let us remote in to process it.
  • Bank-app tech support Caller claims to be from the bank's tech team and asks to install a secure viewer app.

You’re browsing along, and a window takes over your screen. Beeping. A red warning. Your computer has been infected with 5 viruses. Do not turn off your computer. Call Microsoft Support. Sometimes the page goes full-screen and the back button stops working.

If you call, a polite technician asks to remote in to fix the problem. The moment they have control of your computer, they can install whatever they want, watch you log into your bank, lock your files, and then demand payment to remove the virus they put there.

This works because the screen looks broken and the voice on the phone sounds calm. The contrast is the trap.

Principles to remember

  1. Call back through a number you found yourself

    If someone contacts you claiming to be your bank, the IRS, or a tech company, hang up and reach them through a number you look up independently.

  2. Treat urgency as a scam signal

    Real institutions give you time. Pressure to act in the next few minutes is one of the loudest signals a scam gives off.

  3. Never give out a password, a 2FA code, or remote access

    Legitimate support never needs your password, your one-time code, or control of your screen. Anyone asking for those things is running a scam.