Fake Tech Support Popup Script
A full-screen browser popup claims your computer is infected with viruses, sometimes with fake system alarms or a countdown, and displays a "Microsoft" or antivirus support number to call. The popup itself is harmless and cannot detect real problems on your device — the scammer's actual goal is to frighten you into calling, then talking you into installing remote-access software so they can dig through personal files, harvest banking logins, or charge you for fake "repairs." The lever is manufactured panic and time pressure. The most important step is to close the browser, or force-quit it, without calling the number or clicking anything on the popup.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
⚠️ WARNING: Your computer is infected with [number] viruses. Do not restart. Call [phone number] now.
Microsoft Security Alert: your data is at risk. Call support immediately to prevent loss.
(On the call) Please install [remote tool] so our technician can remove the virus and secure your banking.
What the scammer wants
To frighten you into calling, then gain remote access to your device to 'fix' a non-existent virus, steal data, and access your banking.
Red flags in the message
- Full-screen 'infected' popup with a support number
- Instruction not to restart and to call now
- Request to install remote-access software
- Asked to log into your bank while connected
A safe response
Don't call. Close or force-quit the browser (you can safely restart). A web page can't scan your device, and real tech firms don't cold-prompt you to call and grant remote access.
What not to send
- Remote access to your device
- Payment
- Banking details
What to do if you already replied
- If you gave remote access, disconnect from the internet and uninstall the tool
- Change passwords from a clean device and contact your bank
- Run a security scan; see the remote-access cleanup guide
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot the full message or call details
- Note the sender number, email, or profile
- Save any links (without clicking) and payment details
- Record dates and times
Frequently asked questions
The popup won't close and my browser seems frozen — what do I do?
Try closing the browser entirely (Alt+F4 on Windows, Cmd+Q on Mac) or force-closing it through your task manager rather than clicking anything on the popup. If it still won't close, restart your device — this clears the popup and does not harm your files.
I already called the number and let them access my computer remotely — what now?
Disconnect your device from the internet, then uninstall any remote-access software they installed; get help from a trusted person if unsure how. Change important passwords from a separate device, and contact your bank if you shared payment details.
Is my computer actually infected with a virus like the popup said?
Almost certainly not — the popup is just a webpage, not a real system scan, and legitimate operating systems never display security warnings with a phone number to call. Run a scan using trusted antivirus software if you want confirmation your device is clean.
I paid for their 'repair service' with my card — can I get a refund?
Contact your card issuer to dispute the charge as fraudulent as soon as possible; many card networks offer chargeback protection for this exact situation. Also uninstall anything they had you install and change any passwords you shared during the call.