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By , IT support technician

Quick Answer

If a pop-up says your computer is infected and tells you to call a number — it is a scam. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete, open Task Manager, select your browser, and click End task to close it. Never call the number or give remote access.

How to Recognize and Avoid Tech Support Scams ​

Applies to: All devices and platforms
Article Type: Informational
Last Updated: 2026-03-09

Summary ​

Tech support scams trick users into believing their computer has a virus or security problem, then charge money or steal credentials to "fix" it. These scams come as pop-up warnings, cold calls, or phishing emails. This article explains how to identify and handle them.

Prerequisites ​

  • None — this is an awareness article for all users.

Instructions ​

1. Recognize the Red Flags ​

Real tech support will never do these things.

  • Unsolicited cold calls — Microsoft, Apple, and other vendors will never call you first about a computer problem.
  • Pop-up warnings that say "Your computer is infected! Call this number immediately!" with flashing colors or alarms.
  • Full-screen lock that prevents you from closing the browser.
  • Requests for remote access — they ask you to download a remote-control tool (e.g., AnyDesk, TeamViewer) so they can "fix" the problem.
  • Demands for gift card payments — no legitimate company accepts payment in gift cards.
  • Urgency and fear — "You must act now or your data will be lost."
  • Requests for your password — real IT support will never ask for your password.
  • Claims to be your own help desk — the hardest version to spot, because the caller uses your company's names, systems, and jargon. See How to Verify a Suspicious Call or Message from IT for the callback rule that settles it in two minutes.

2. What to Do If You See a Scam Pop-Up ​

Do not call the number. Do not click anything on the pop-up.

  1. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and open Task Manager.
  2. Select your browser (e.g., Edge, Chrome) from the list and click End task.
  3. If the pop-up persists, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to force shut down.
  4. Restart your computer.
  5. When the browser restarts, do not click "Restore pages" — this may reopen the scam.

3. What to Do If You Receive a Scam Phone Call ​

Hang up immediately.

  1. Do not engage or argue with the caller.
  2. Do not give any personal information or passwords.
  3. Do not allow remote access to your computer.
  4. Hang up.
  5. Report the call to your IT department.

4. What to Do If You Already Fell for a Scam ​

Act quickly to minimize damage.

  1. Disconnect from the Internet — unplug Ethernet or disable Wi-Fi.
  2. If you gave remote access, change all your passwords from a different, clean device.
  3. Run a full antivirus scan using Windows Security (built-in):
    • Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options > Full scan.
  4. Contact your IT department immediately — report what happened.
  5. If you provided credit card or banking information, contact your bank.

5. Report the Scam ​

Help protect others by reporting the incident.

  1. Report to your IT department or helpdesk.
  2. Report to Microsoft: https://www.microsoft.com/reportascam.
  3. Report to the FTC: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Troubleshooting ​

WARNING

If a pop-up or caller already has remote access to your PC, turn off your computer immediately by holding the power button. Do not try to interact with the remote session.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
Full-screen pop-up won't closeScam page uses full-screen modePress F11 to exit full-screen, then Alt+F4 to close the browser. If stuck, use Ctrl+Alt+Delete > Task Manager.
Browser keeps reopening the scam pageRestore previous session enabledClear browser history and cached data. Open browser settings and disable "Continue where you left off."
Unknown software installed on your PCScammer installed remote access toolGo to Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Uninstall any unfamiliar software (e.g., AnyDesk, TeamViewer, SupRemo) and run a full antivirus scan.