A pop-up says my computer has a virus and to call a number

A pop-up is a box that appears on top of what you are doing. Some are made by scammers to look like a serious warning. They may flash, make noise, and show a phone number.

This is a trick. Real antivirus programs do not ask you to call a number. Microsoft and Apple do not either. Your computer is almost always fine.

1. Do not call the number. Do not click anything in the box.
2. Close the browser. A browser is the program you use to visit websites. - Windows: Hold the Alt key and press F4. If that does nothing, hold Ctrl and Alt, press Delete, and choose Task Manager. Pick your browser and choose End task. - Mac: Hold the Command key and press Q. - iPad or iPhone: On an iPhone or iPad without a Home button, swipe up from the bottom and stop in the middle of the screen, then flick the browser up and away. With a Home button, press it twice quickly, then flick the browser up and away. - Android phone or tablet: Tap the button with three lines or a square at the bottom of the screen (or swipe up from the bottom and hold), then swipe the browser up and away.
3. If it will not close on a computer, hold the power button until the screen goes dark. This is safe. Wait a minute, then turn it on again.
4. If you already called, hang up. Never let anyone connect to your computer. If you did, or if you paid or shared a code, turn the computer off and call us. Call the number on the back of your card if you gave card details.

When the computer starts again, a message may offer to restore your pages. Choose no.

We can come check the computer with you and make sure nothing was left behind.

Still stuck? Call us at (540) 613-1472.