Tech-support pop-up scams

A full-screen warning claims your computer is infected and tells you to call a number. The “technician” asks for remote access and then takes money or data.

What it looks like

Browser pop-up · Security alert

⚠ Your computer is infected. Do not turn it off. Call support now at the number below to remove the virus.

How it usually ends

A tech-support scam. The 'technician' installed remote access and moved money from your banking session.

Red flags

Full-screen pop-up from an ad network
Support number tied to scam reports
No real security tool asks you to call

What to do

Real security tools never ask you to phone a number.
Force-quit the browser to close the pop-up.
Never give remote access to an unsolicited caller.

Could you spot it in the moment?

In Painted Sky you’re born at random somewhere on Earth and live a whole life — and this scam is one of the fakes that can find you. Make the call yourself, then replay the same life with a lens that shows what was fake.

Play Painted Sky — free →