A pop-up says my computer has a virus. Should I call the number?
You will learn that scary virus pop-ups are fake and what to do.
A loud pop-up that says you have a virus is a trick. It is a scam.
Real virus warnings do not flash a phone number to call.
The number goes to a scammer, not to real tech help.
They want you to pay or get into your computer. Do not let them.
You can close the pop-up and stay calm. Nothing is broken.
- Do not call the number on the pop-up.
- Do not click any button inside the pop-up.
- Close the whole web page window.
- If it will not close, turn the device off, then back on.
- Do not let a stranger take over your screen.
- If you are unsure, ask someone you trust to look.
A pop-up on my computer says I have a virus and to call a number. Here is what it says: [paste the words]. Is this a real warning or a scam? Please explain simply.
Paste it into ChatGPT, then change the words in brackets to fit you. It opens in a new tab, so you will not lose this page.
Real help never appears as a scary pop-up with a phone number. To be safe, only get tech help from a person or shop you already know.