Is a fake antivirus scan result that pops up on a website real?
No. Websites cannot scan your device. Pop-up scan results showing virus detections are fake alerts designed to frighten you into downloading malware or calling a scam number.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Fake antivirus pop-ups imitate the appearance of real security software — Windows Defender, Norton, McAfee — and claim to have found multiple threats on your device. They use alarming language, warning sounds, and countdown timers. The goal is to get you to click a 'Fix Now' button that downloads malware, or to call a tech-support number where scammers charge for fake services or install genuine malware via remote access. Websites do not have the ability to scan your device's files. Only software installed on your device can perform a real scan. Dismiss the pop-up by closing the browser tab or restarting your browser.
Common red flags
- Pop-up appears in a browser window, not in your system tray or installed software
- Claims to have found a specific number of threats
- Warning sound plays and the page tries to prevent you from closing it
- Provides a phone number to call for immediate assistance
What to do now
- Close the browser tab or force-quit the browser
- Do not call any number shown in the alert
- Run a real scan with your installed, up-to-date security software
- Clear your browser's cache if the pop-up keeps reappearing
Frequently asked questions
If I saw the pop-up, is my computer already infected?
Simply seeing a fake pop-up does not infect your computer. The infection risk arises if you click the alert, download something, or call the number provided.