More confidence online
A virus popup? Pause before you click.
A warning while browsing Facebook or another website can look alarming. The popup alone is not proof that your computer has a virus.
Do not use the popup to get help
Some webpages imitate security warnings to pressure you into calling a number, paying for help, or installing software. A logo, loud sound, or countdown does not prove the warning is genuine.
- Do not call a phone number shown in the warning.
- Do not pay, download software, or allow someone to control your computer because a popup tells you to.
- Do not enter a password or verification code.
- Avoid buttons inside the warning, including buttons that say Close or Cancel. They may be part of the webpage.
Close the page using your browser
- Use the close button on the browser tab, not a button drawn inside the webpage.
- On Windows, Ctrl + W usually closes the current tab. On a Mac, use Command + W.
- If the page prevents you from closing the tab, close the browser using the window’s own close control. This may lose unsaved work in other tabs.
- If the browser is stuck, on Windows press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, select the browser, and choose End task. On a Mac, press Option + Command + Esc, select the browser, and choose Force Quit. This also closes other tabs and may lose unsaved work.
- When you open the browser again, do not restore the suspicious page if asked.
If warnings keep appearing
Warnings that appear outside a browser tab may come from website notifications, a real security app, or another source. Do not assume every warning is fake, and do not turn off your security software to silence it.
Open the security app you already know from your device’s normal menu, not through the warning. If you cannot identify the source, ask someone you trust to look with you before changing settings.
If you already took a step
If you called but did not share anything or grant access, end the call. If you gave someone remote access, disconnect the affected device from the internet and seek trusted help before using it for banking or signing in.
If you shared financial information or paid, contact your bank or card issuer using the number on your card or statement. If you shared a password, change it through the official service on a trusted device. Do not pay someone who promises to recover money for an upfront fee.
Read how to manage spam email or learn about patient one-on-one technology help.