If you already called a number from a popup — call us now
If you gave someone remote access to your computer, or entered a credit card, stop using the computer and call (440) 596-0009. We'll help you right away. The first call and diagnosis are always free.
What these scams look like
You're browsing the web and suddenly a popup takes over your screen. It might have a Microsoft logo. Or an Apple logo. There's usually a loud beeping sound. The message says something like:
- "Your computer has been infected with a virus"
- "Critical security warning — do not close this window"
- "Your files are being encrypted — call Microsoft support immediately"
- "Your bank information has been stolen. Call now to secure your account."
A phone number appears, usually toll-free. Sometimes there's a countdown timer. You can't close the window — it keeps coming back, or the mouse stops working, or the computer makes alarm sounds.
It's fake. All of it. Microsoft and Apple never put phone numbers in popups. They never call you. They never ask for remote access to your computer out of the blue.
How the scam works
Here's what happens if you call the number on the popup:
- A "technician" with a professional-sounding voice answers. They ask you to install a program (usually something called AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or UltraViewer) that lets them see and control your computer.
- They pretend to "scan" your computer, showing you Windows logs that look alarming but are completely normal.
- They tell you the problem is huge and charge you $300–$800 to "fix" it.
- Sometimes they fake a refund that's "too much" and ask you to send the difference back via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer. That's the real scam.
- When they leave, they often install hidden software so they can come back later, or they've already stolen passwords and banking info.
Signs you're talking to a scammer
- They called you first, or told you to call them after a popup
- They want to remote into your computer
- They ask you to buy gift cards or send cryptocurrency
- They claim to be from Microsoft, Apple, your bank, or Amazon
- They pressure you to act immediately "or else"
- They ask for passwords, Social Security, or banking info
What to do if a popup appears
- Don't call the number. That's always the right answer.
- Close the browser. If it won't close normally, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete (Windows) or Cmd + Option + Esc (Mac) and end the browser task.
- Restart the computer. This often clears the popup entirely — it was just a webpage, not an actual virus.
- Don't click anything on the popup — including an "X" or "cancel" button. Even those can be fake.
- If popups keep appearing after restarting, there may be malware on your computer. Call us — we'll clean it out.
What to do if you already called them
Don't be embarrassed. These scams are designed by professionals to trick smart people. Here's what to do right now:
- Disconnect the computer from the internet. Pull the ethernet cable or turn off WiFi so they can't come back in.
- Call your bank and credit card companies. If you gave payment info, get new card numbers issued immediately. If you sent gift cards or wired money, report it anyway — sometimes it can be stopped.
- Change your passwords from a different device (like your phone) — email first, then banking, then anything important. If the scammer had remote access, they may have seen anything you typed.
- Call us at (440) 596-0009. We'll check your computer for hidden access tools, remove any software they installed, and make sure nothing is lingering. The diagnosis is free.
- Report it. You can file a report at ic3.gov (FBI) or reportfraud.ftc.gov (FTC). It's free and helps track the scammers.
Other scams we see on the West Shore
The "bank fraud department" call
Someone calls claiming to be from your bank's fraud team. They say there's a suspicious charge and they need to move your money to a "safe account." Your bank will never do this. Hang up, look up your bank's real number on the back of your card, and call them yourself to verify.
The "your grandchild is in jail" call
A frantic voice that sounds like a grandchild, followed by a "lawyer" asking for bail money. Scammers use AI voice cloning now and can sound eerily convincing. Always hang up and call your family member directly at a number you know, before doing anything.
The Amazon / Netflix / Geek Squad "refund" email
An email says you were charged for something you didn't order and need to call a number to get a refund. It's a setup for the same remote-access scam. Real refunds from real companies appear back on your card automatically — you never need to call.
How to stay safer
- Keep your computer updated. Windows updates close security holes scammers use.
- Don't install "cleaning" or "speed-up" programs. Almost all of them are scams or malware. If your computer is slow, call us — we'll tell you the real cause.
- Use strong, different passwords — and write them down in a notebook you keep at home if you have to. A paper notebook is safer than reusing the same password everywhere.
- If in doubt, call someone you trust before acting. Real emergencies can wait five minutes for you to think. Fake ones can't.
If something feels wrong, just call us
Even if you're not sure — even if you just want someone to look and tell you the popup was probably fake — call (440) 596-0009. We'd much rather check for free and tell you everything's fine than have someone lose their savings. That's why we're here.
