Quick Fix Guide 09 ยท Virus pop-up
A pop-up says you have a virus and gives a phone number.
Take a breath. The pop-up is usually the trick. The phone number is the part to avoid.
What is probably happening
A website opened a scary full-screen warning to make you call or install something.
What to try first.
- Do not call the number on the screen.
- Do not click Allow, Download, Scan, or Clean.
- Close the browser. If it will not close, restart the computer.
- Open the browser again and do not restore the last pages if it asks.
What Emily writes back
Hi Mary,
That warning is very often the scam itself. The phone number is the dangerous part, because it tries to move you from a scary screen into a sales or remote-access call.
Do this instead:
- Do not call the number or click any buttons in the pop-up.
- Close the browser, or restart the computer if it will not close.
- Open the browser again and do not restore the last pages if it asks.
If you already called or paid, contact your bank or card company from the official number.
Emily
What to send Lumaneta.
Short and plain is fine. Do not send passwords, one-time codes, card numbers, Social Security numbers, or private banking details.
- What device you are using.
- The phone number shown, if visible.
- Whether anyone connected to your computer.
Free newsletter
Get The Lumaneta Letter.
One practical tech tip at a time, written in the same plain-English style.
Read and subscribe freeSubscriber PDFs
Email me the guide set.
Subscribers can enter their checkout email and Lumaneta will send the complete printable PDF set.
Membership
Use Lumaneta by email or phone.
Use Lumaneta for suspicious messages, printers, TVs, phones, passwords, settings, and buying decisions.
Subscribe