Scams going around · Pop-ups on a screen

Microsoft virus pop-up scam

Pretends to be Microsoft Support or a Windows security warning. A pop-up (a box that suddenly appears over a web page) fills your screen. It says your computer has a virus or has been hacked, and tells you to call "Microsoft Support" right away. The number reaches scammers who want control of your computer and your money. Some then pretend to be your bank or the government to get your savings.

An example of what it can look like

Not a real message: the details are made up.

A full-screen pop-up on the web page windows-security-alert.example
WINDOWS SECURITY ALERT: Your computer has been blocked. A virus (Trojan spyware) was found. Your passwords, photos and bank details are at risk. Do not close this window or restart your computer. Call Microsoft Support now at (202) 555-0187.

How to tell

It shows a phone number to call. Microsoft says its real error and warning messages never include a phone number.
It fills your screen and won't go away, so your browser (the program you use to look at websites) seems locked.
The "technician" wants you to install a program that lets them control your computer from far away. Then they call normal messages "proof" of a problem.
They want payment by gift card, cryptocurrency (a kind of digital money), wire transfer, bank transfer or a payment app. Microsoft says it never asks you to pay for support with gift cards or cryptocurrency.
Someone then says they're from your bank or a government agency like the Federal Reserve. They tell you to move your money to a "safe" account, take out cash or buy gold, and not to tell anyone why.

What to do

Don't call the number, and don't click anything in the pop-up (the box covering your screen).
Close your web browser, the program you use to look at websites. If it won't close, restart your computer, even if the pop-up says not to.
Never let a stranger who contacted you take control of your computer.
If someone you didn't ask for help calls saying they're from Microsoft Support, hang up. Microsoft says it doesn't make these calls.
Not sure? Talk to someone you trust, like a friend, a family member or a neighbor.

If you already tapped, paid, called or replied

If you paid by credit card, debit card, bank transfer or Zelle, call your card company or bank right away. Use the number on the back of your card. Ask them to reverse the payment and refund your money.
If you paid with a gift card, call the company that issued it right away. Use the number on the back of the card, and ask for your money back.
If you used a payment app, a wire transfer or cryptocurrency (a kind of digital money), contact that company right away. Tell them a scammer tricked you, and ask for your money back.
If you let them into your computer, remove any program they had you install. Then run a full scan with Windows Security, which looks for malware (harmful programs). After that, change your passwords, starting with any you told them. If you use the same password on other sites, change it there too.
If someone told you to move money, take out cash or buy gold, stop. Call your bank using the number on the back of your card. Someone who really works for the government will never tell you to move your money to protect it.

How to check for real

Microsoft says it won't call you to offer tech support unless you asked. It also says its real warnings never include a phone number. If you need help with your computer, go to someone you know and trust. Stores that sell computers also offer tech support in person.

Where to report it

ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the Federal Trade Commission's reporting site
Microsoft, at www.microsoft.com/reportascam
The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov, and your local FBI field office (find it at fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices)

Free guides that go with this

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Where this comes from

Written from these official warnings, checked 2026-09-25. Lantern is not part of any organization named on this page.