A Virus Warning or a Scam? 

When your computer flashes a giant red warning that says your identity is at risk and your files will be deleted unless you act now, it’s easy to panic. One Georgia consumer did just that. They saw a pop-up claiming their device was infected with a dangerous virus and were urged to call the “customer support” number displayed on the screen.

 

Once on the phone, the so-called support team “fixed” the issue (for a $200 fee), and signed them up for a monthly computer monitoring service. Now they’re left wondering: Did I just get scammed?

 

Spoiler alert: Yep. Sure did. 

The Anatomy of a Tech Support Scam

This scam isn’t new, but it's evolved to feel more urgent and convincing. You’re browsing the web when suddenly a pop-up takes over your screen. It often contains alarming language like:

  • “WARNING: Your personal information is at risk.”
  • “Call Microsoft/Apple Support immediately!”
  • “Your device will be disabled unless action is taken!”

The message might freeze your browser or play an audio alert that repeats the warning over and over. It's designed to scare you into acting fast and without thinking. But here’s the twist: these pop-ups have nothing to do with real tech companies. They're fake alerts designed to trick you into calling a number that leads to a scammer.

If you ever see one of these pop-ups (or something similar that just feels off), take a pause before freaking out. (iStock)

From there, the scam plays out in a predictable way.  First you'll be told you have a virus or a hacker on your system. Then, you’ll have to pay a one-time fee or subscribe to a monitoring service. If you pay, you’ll often be asked to grant remote access to your computer, which allows them to “fix” problems (that don’t exist) or even install real malware.

 

According to the the latest Internet Crime Report, published each year by the FBI, consumers reported over 36,000 tech support scams in 2024.  If that sounds like a lot, get a load of this: those scams racked up $1.4 billion in losses, just in one year! (To read the full report, click here)

What You Should Do Instead

If you ever see one of these pop-ups (or something similar that just feels off), take a pause before freaking out. Here’s a quick list of what you shouldn’t and should do:

Don’t:

  • Call the number on your screen.
  • Click any links or buttons in the warning.
  • Give out your credit card or bank information.
  • Allow remote access to your device.

Do:

  • Try rebooting your computer. Often, that clears the fake warning.
  • Use a trusted antivirus or anti-malware program to scan your device.
  • If you’re locked out of your browser, look up steps using another device (like your smartphone) to remove the pop-up manually or reset the browser settings.
  • If you’ve already paid or granted access, contact your credit card company immediately and report the fraud. Also, update all your passwords and run a full security scan.

Are Any Virus Protection Services Legit?

Yes, legitimate antivirus companies exist, and you’ve probably heard of them (think Norton, Bitdefender, McAfee, or Malwarebytes). And you know what? They won’t scare you into calling them. They won’t take over your screen or demand action within five minutes. Real software runs quietly in the background and alerts you with subtle notifications, not doomsday warnings.

 

Legitimate providers also won’t demand remote access unless you’ve reached out to them first, through a known and trusted contact method.

Your best defense against tech support scams isn’t just good antivirus software. It’s knowing what to look out for. (iStock)

Why This Matters More Than Ever

Tech support scams are incredibly effective because they prey on fear and urgency. Seniors are especially vulnerable, but anyone who’s not tech savvy (or even just distracted) can fall for it. In an age where our lives and finances are deeply tied to our devices, the impact can be severe.

 

Think about it: What would you do if someone had access to your email, banking apps, or personal photos?

 

By learning how these scams work, you empower yourself to pause, verify, and avoid handing over control – or cash –  to a stranger on the other end of a fake support line.

Final Thought: Don’t Panic, Just Prepare

We all get flustered sometimes, especially when it feels like something serious is happening to our devices. But next time your screen flashes a warning, remember this: real tech support doesn’t make threats. Take a breath, reboot if needed, and reach out to a trusted source if you're still unsure.

 

Your best defense isn’t just good antivirus software. It’s knowing what to look out for.