Friday Scam Alert – That Virus Warning May Be the Real Threat

Your computer suddenly freezes. A loud alarm sounds. A message flashes across the screen:

“WARNING! Your computer has been infected. Call Microsoft Support immediately.”

Many consumers panic—and that’s exactly what scammers are counting on.

Tech support scams remain one of the most common fraud schemes targeting older adults and computer users across the country. The scam often begins with a pop-up message claiming your computer has been infected with a virus, hacked, or compromised. The message may display a phone number and urge you to call immediately.

Once on the phone, the scammer poses as a representative from Microsoft, Apple, Norton, McAfee, or another well-known technology company. They may ask for remote access to your computer, claiming they need to remove a virus or fix a security issue.

In reality, the goal is often to steal money, personal information, passwords, or even gain access to financial accounts.

One of the biggest warning signs is urgency. Scammers want victims to act quickly before they have time to think, research, or seek advice from a trusted friend or family member.

How to Protect Yourself

• Close the browser window or restart your computer.
• Never call a phone number displayed in a pop-up warning.
• Never grant remote access to someone who contacted you unexpectedly.
• Contact a trusted local computer professional if you’re concerned.
• Keep your operating system and antivirus software updated.

Remember: Microsoft, Apple, Norton, and other technology companies do not monitor your computer and do not send unsolicited warnings demanding immediate action.

What To Do If You’ve Already Clicked

If you accidentally clicked the warning message or called the phone number, don’t panic. Acting quickly can help minimize the damage.

If You Gave Them Remote Access

• Disconnect your computer from the internet immediately.
• Shut down the computer if you’re unsure what the scammer may have accessed.
• Contact a trusted local computer technician to inspect the device.

If You Provided Passwords

• Change your passwords immediately.

Start with:

• Email accounts
• Banking accounts
• Credit card accounts
• Social media accounts

Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.

If You Paid Money

• Contact your credit card company or bank immediately.
• Explain that you may have been the victim of a tech support scam.

The sooner you report it, the better your chances of stopping additional charges.

If You Gave Access to Financial Information

• Monitor your accounts closely.
• Consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.
• Watch for unauthorized transactions.

If You’re Not Sure What Happened

Don’t be embarrassed.

Thousands of people fall victim to tech support scams every year because the scammers are skilled at creating fear and urgency.

Reach out to:

• A trusted family member
• A local computer professional
• Your bank
• Local law enforcement if money was stolen

The Most Important Rule

Never let a stranger take control of your computer simply because a pop-up told you to call a phone number.

Legitimate companies such as Microsoft, Apple, Norton, and McAfee do not monitor individual computers and do not display pop-up messages demanding immediate payment or remote access.

If a warning message suddenly appears on your screen, remember that the goal of the scammer is to create panic. Take a breath, close the browser, and verify the problem through a trusted source. In most cases, the pop-up itself—not your computer—is the real thre