Scam awareness
🖥️ The fake "your computer has a virus" pop-up
A scary message claims your device is infected and tells you to call a number. It is a trick.
Reviewed May 2026
🚩 Warning signs
- A sudden pop-up, alarm sound, or full-screen warning says your computer is infected.
- It tells you to call a phone number "right now" or not to turn off your device.
- It claims to be from Microsoft, Apple, or another big company.
- It asks you to let someone connect to your computer from far away.
✅ What to do
- Do not call the number. Real companies never put a phone number in a virus warning.
- Close the pop-up. If you cannot, turn the device off and on again.
- Never let a stranger control your computer or ask for your passwords.
- If you are unsure, call someone you trust — or call us.
📖 A real example
Margaret saw a flashing red screen saying 'Apple Security Alert — call now.' She called us instead. It was fake, and her computer was perfectly fine.
🆘 If it already happened
- If you let someone in, turn off the device and disconnect the internet.
- Call your bank if you shared any payment or account details.
- Change your passwords from a different, safe device.
Reassurance: being targeted is not your fault, and it happens to careful people every day. Acting quickly helps.
This is one of the most common scams aimed at older adults. The whole goal is to frighten you into acting quickly. Slow down — that fear is the scam.
📞 Report it or get help