Fake virus alerts: how to spot and stop them
A loud warning, a siren sound and a phone number to call. These pop-ups are designed to frighten you, not protect you.
Why they are fake
A website cannot scan the files on your computer. Browsers keep web pages away from your system on purpose. So a page claiming “17 viruses found” is making it up.
Typical signs
- Full-screen warning with a countdown or alarm.
- A support phone number or a “Scan now” button.
- Logos copied from Microsoft, McAfee or Norton.
- Browser notifications that keep arriving after you left the site.
What to do
- Do not click anything in the pop-up and do not call the number.
- Press Esc to leave full screen, then close the tab. If it will not close, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc, select the browser and choose End task.
- Reopen the browser without restoring tabs.
- Remove notification permission: in your browser, open Settings, Privacy and security, Site settings, Notifications, and remove unknown sites.
- Run a Quick scan in Windows Security to be sure.
If you already called or paid
- Do not allow remote access. If you did, shut the PC down and disconnect it.
- Contact your bank straight away if you gave card details.
- Change passwords from a clean device and run the malware removal steps.
Remember: real security software alerts come from the program installed on your PC, never from a web page.
More help: browse the antivirus section or all guides.