Yes. Microsoft, Apple, and antivirus companies do not put a phone number in a pop-up warning, and they never cold-call you about a virus. These scams exist to get you on the phone so a fake technician can take remote control of your computer and your money.
What this scam looks like
There are two versions. The pop-up version hijacks your browser with a scary full-screen page — sirens, “your computer has been locked,” a Microsoft logo, and a support number. The cold-call version is someone claiming to be from Microsoft or your ISP saying they’ve “detected a problem.”
Either way, if you call or let them in, they’ll install remote-access software, show you harmless system messages as “proof” of infection, and charge you hundreds to “fix” it — or quietly log into your bank while connected.
Example is illustrative and de-fanged; links are shown broken so they can't be clicked.
Red flags to watch for
- A phone number inside a virus warning. Real security software never tells you to call a number.
- You can’t easily close the page, or it plays sound and says “don’t restart” — pure intimidation.
- An unexpected call claiming to be Microsoft/Apple/your ISP. They don’t monitor your PC and won’t call you.
- They want to remote in (AnyDesk, TeamViewer, LogMeIn) to “show you the problem.”
- Payment by gift card, wire, or crypto, or a request to log into your bank while they watch.
What to do if you got one
- For a pop-up: don’t call the number. Close the tab, or force-quit the browser (Ctrl+W, or restart it). The “virus” is just a web page.
- For a call: hang up. Don’t let anyone remote into your computer because they called you.
- If you already gave access, disconnect from the internet, uninstall any remote-access app they added, run a real malware scan, and change important passwords from a different device.
- Called your bank or paid? Contact your bank/card issuer right away to dispute and re-secure accounts.
- Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Unsure if a warning is real? Paste it into GotAScam.
Frequently asked questions
Almost never. The pop-up is a web page designed to look like a system alert. Closing the browser removes it. A real infection doesn’t give you a toll-free number to call.
No. Microsoft does not make unsolicited calls about your PC. Your name and number are easy to obtain; it’s a script, not proof.
Assume they may have installed software or seen saved passwords. Disconnect, remove remote-access tools, scan for malware, and change passwords (especially banking and email) from a clean device.
Not sure about a message you got?
Paste the exact text, email, or screenshot into GotAScam and get a clear verdict — Likely Safe, Uncertain, or Likely Scam — backed by live threat intelligence. It's free, and no sign-up is required for text checks.