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Being pressured right now? Hang up. Call back using a number you find yourself. →

A pop-up says my computer is infected

A pop-up, phone call, or email claims your computer has a virus and tells you to call a number or install remote-access software immediately.

Being pressured right now?

Hang up. Stop communicating. Call back using a number you find yourself. — from a bank card, a billing statement, or the official website you type in yourself. Do not use a number the caller gave you, texted you, or that appears on your caller ID.

If you read nothing else

If you read nothing else:

  • Stop communicating, and do not move money, pay, or share codes while you are under pressure.
  • A pop-up tells you to call a phone number right now.
  • Do not call a phone number shown in a pop-up warning.

Why this is a red flag

A pop-up tells you to call a phone number right now.

Real security software does not display a phone number to call. Microsoft, Apple, and antivirus companies do not put alarming pop-ups with phone numbers on your screen.

You are asked to install remote-access software so someone can "fix" your computer.

This gives a stranger live control of your computer, including your files, accounts, and anything you type.

You are asked to pay for the "fix" with a gift card, wire transfer, or by giving direct access to your bank account.

Legitimate tech support does not request payment this way, and the "refund" version of this scam often tricks people into actually sending money out.

What to do right now

Do this now

  • Close the browser tab or restart the computer. Do not call the number on the pop-up.
  • If you already installed remote-access software, disconnect from the internet and shut the computer down.
  • If a stranger had remote access, change your important passwords from a different, trusted device.
  • If you shared payment or bank details, contact your bank immediately.

What not to do

Don't do this

  • Do not call a phone number shown in a pop-up warning.
  • Do not install software a caller talks you through installing.
  • Do not give a caller remote control of your computer.
  • Do not pay for "tech support" with a gift card or wire transfer.

What to save

What to save

  • A screenshot of the pop-up message.
  • The phone number shown or called, and the website it appeared on.
  • The name of any software you were told to install.
  • Any payment details if you paid before realizing it was a scam.

Common questions

Does Microsoft or Apple ever put a phone number in an error message?

No. Real security software and real error messages from Microsoft, Apple, or antivirus companies do not display a phone number to call. A pop-up with a phone number is a scam.

Are AnyDesk or TeamViewer dangerous?

The software itself is a normal remote-access tool, but installing it at a stranger's direction is dangerous, because it gives that stranger live control of your computer, including your files, accounts, and anything you type.

What do I do right after giving a scammer remote access?

Disconnect the computer from the internet and shut it down. Then, from a different trusted device, change your important passwords, and contact your bank if you shared any payment or bank details.

Can a scammer see my passwords if they had remote control?

Yes, possibly. Someone with remote control of your computer can see anything on your screen, including anything you type. Change your important passwords from a different, trusted device.

Where to go next

If you already sent money, shared a code, or gave access to something, go to what to do now for next steps by what happened. If money, access, or personal information was shared, you can also go straight to where to report it.

Related situations: Someone wants me to move my money , Someone wants gift cards, crypto, or cash .

Last reviewed: 2026-06-30

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