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How to Recognize and Close a Fake Pop-Up or Scam Window
If you’ve ever been happily browsing the internet and suddenly a big red warning pops up saying:
“Your computer is infected! Call this number immediately!”
—don’t panic.
These are fake pop-ups designed to scare you into clicking something or calling a scammer. Seniors in particular are often targeted because scammers hope they’ll react quickly out of fear.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to tell the difference between a real Windows alert and a scam pop-up, and walk you through how to safely close them.
What a Real Windows Alert Looks Like
A real alert from Microsoft Windows:
Comes from the bottom-right corner of your screen, near the clock.
Is usually small and rectangular.
Won’t have a phone number to call.
Might say things like “Windows Update is available” or “Virus protection is turned off.”
What a Scam Pop-Up Looks Like
A scam pop-up or fake alert:
Pops up in the middle of your browser window (Chrome, Edge, or Firefox).
Is often very loud with flashing colors or even fake alarm sounds.
Uses scary wording like “Your computer is infected!” or “Do not turn off your PC!”
Almost always gives you a phone number to call. (Microsoft, Apple, or Google will NEVER display a phone number in a pop-up.)
What To Do If You See a Fake Pop-Up
Don’t click on anything inside the pop-up.
Don’t press “OK,” “Cancel,” or “Scan Now.”
These buttons are often tricks to install malware.
Close the browser completely.
On Windows: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, find your browser (Chrome, Edge, or Firefox), and click End Task.
On Mac: Press Command + Option + Esc, select the browser, and click Force Quit.
Reopen your browser, but don’t restore previous tabs.
If asked “Do you want to restore pages?” click No.
This prevents the scam site from opening again.
Clear your browser history.
In Chrome or Edge: Go to the three-dot menu → Settings → Privacy & Security → Clear Browsing Data.
Select Browsing History and Cached Images.
When to Call for Help
It’s smart to call for professional help if:
You accidentally clicked inside the pop-up.
You called the number and gave the scammer access to your computer.
The same pop-up keeps reappearing even after you clear your browser.
At That Tech Jeff, I can safely check your computer, remove any hidden issues, and give you peace of mind. Best of all, I keep things simple, affordable, and honest.
✅ Remember this golden rule:
If a pop-up tells you to call a number, it’s a scam.
