Fake Security Pop-Up Alert

 

Fake Security Pop-Up Alert: What To Do

Fake security pop-ups are designed to scare you into clicking, calling a number, or giving someone access to your computer. These messages often claim you have a virus, your system is “locked,” or your data is at risk.

Do not panic. Follow the steps below.

If the Fake Pop-Up Is Still On the Screen: Immediate Actions

1. Don’t click anything

• Don’t click OK, Cancel, Allow, or even the X

• Many fake alerts trigger downloads or redirects when clicked

2. Force-close the browser

• Windows:
  Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → open Task Manager
  Select your browser → End Task

• Mac:
  Press Cmd + Q, or
  Apple menu → Force Quit → select browser → Force Quit

3. If the browser won’t close

• Hold the power button to shut the computer down

• Wait about 10 seconds, then restart

After Restarting: Clean-Up Steps

4. Clear browser data (Recommended: BleachBit or Onyx)

• Clear cache, cookies, and site data

• This removes scripts that try to reload the scam page

5. Check browser notification permissions

• Open browser settings → Notifications

• Remove anything you don’t recognize from the Allow list
  (Example in Edge/Chrome: Settings → Privacy & Security → Site Settings → Notifications)

6. Run a full antivirus scan

• Use trusted security software already installed on the system

• Run a full scan, not a quick scan

• Recommended Windows Security Tools:

  • Windows Security (Microsoft Defender)

  • Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

• Recommended Mac/Apple Security Tools:
  

• ClamXAV *Premium/30-day Trial
  
  
• Avira or Avast Free Security
  
  
• Sophos Home Free
  
  *macOS has built-in defenses (XProtect, Gatekeeper, System Updates) already that block many threats; keeping your system updated is critical. Third-party antivirus is worth it if you want real-time monitoring, phishing protection, ransomware detection, VPN/privacy tools, or cross-platform coverage.

7. Check installed programs

• Look for recently installed or unfamiliar software

• Uninstall anything suspicious or anything you don’t remember installing

8. Disable unnecessary browser notifications

• If website notifications aren’t needed, turn them off entirely

• This prevents future “You have a virus!” scare tactics

🚫 Very Important Warnings 🚫 

• Microsoft, Apple, Google, and antivirus companies do NOT use pop-ups with phone numbers

• Real security alerts never ask you to call a number

• Never give:

  • Remote access to your computer

  • Credit card or banking information

  • Passwords or verification codes
    to anyone claiming to be “support”

If any of the above already happened, the response escalates and may include:

• Password changes

• Financial account monitoring

• Deeper malware and system checks

🛠 When to Get Help:

You should get professional help if...

 - Pop-ups keep coming back - 

 - The browser reopens scam pages on startup - 

 - Unknown software keeps reinstalling - 

 - Remote access was granted to a scammer - 

If you suspect accounts ARE compromised, follow this guide:

👉 https://pnwcomputers.blogspot.com/2025/11/what-to-do-if-you-are-compromised-by.html

Outside of these recommendations, if theses steps don't help and/or resolve the issue, an appointment with an IT Professional may be required to address the situation!

✅ Final Safety Note

At the minimum, if you can turn the computer off, nothing further can happen to it while it is powered down.

When in doubt: stop, power off, and ask for help before clicking anything.

Created & Maintained by Pacific Northwest Computers

Pacific NW Computers

www.linktr.ee/pnwcomputers

www.pacificnwcomputers.com

📞 Pacific Northwest Computers offers Remote & Onsite Support Across: 

SW Washington including Vancouver WA, Battle Ground WA, Camas WA, Washougal WA, Longview WA, Kelso WA, and Portland OR