This article originally published September 2015 – updated March 2017, February 2025
Malicious advertisements or links can redirect your web browser to webpage designed to look like an official warning from Microsoft or Apple. The fake warnings often have the following characteristics:
- Tell you that there’s a problem with your computer, it’s been blocked, and you need to call the number presented immediately to prevent harm
- Tell you NOT to turn off your computer
- The warnings are often accompanied by scary alert sounds or spoken messages.
- Your mouse and/or keyboard may become non-responsive.
How to “unblock” your computer and get rid of the scare message
NEVER call the number presented on the screen – scammers claiming to be Windows, Apple or tech support representatives will try to gain access to your computer to convince you that you have security problems that you need to pay to have fixed.
Try the following steps in order to close the scare/scam window:
- Try closing your browser using the keyboard. Here’s a few a few methods to try:
- Hold down the [Ctrl] key, then press the [W] key. On a Mac, hold down the [Command ⌘] key, then press the [W] key.
- Press and HOLD the Esc key (located on the upper-left corner of the keyboard)
- On a Windows PC, press the Alt + F4 key simultaneously.
- On a Windows PC, simultaneously press and hold the [Ctrl]+[Alt]+[Del] keys on your keyboard, select Task Manager, select your web browser, then “End Task”. On a Mac use [Command]+[Option]+[Esc], select your web browser, then select “Force Quit”.
- If unsuccessful, on your Windows computer try to shut down or restart your computer via the Start button icon along the bottom left taskbar: If the fake warning website covers your full screen where you cannot see the Start button icon, use your keyboard and press the Windows key [
or 
] located at the bottom left corner of your keyboard, which should bring the Start menu to the foreground. You should then be able to use your mouse to navigate to Power > Shut Down/Restart. - If none of the above methods work, do the opposite of what the scare page says: Turn off your computer by pressing and HOLDING the power button. After HOLDING down the power button for at least 5 seconds, the computer should shut off.
- After your computer is off, leave it off for at least a minute. Then briefly press the power button to turn it back on.
- If one of the above steps works to close the scare page and regain control of your browser or computer, you should be good to continue using your computer. However, don’t immediately go back to the website or email that redirected you to the scare page before, and don’t restore your previous browser session if prompted.
- If the scare page comes back after powering off your computer, it is likely going to sleep rather than completely powering off when holding down the power button for at least 5 seconds. Try powering it off again. If the message still appears, contact us for assistance. Again, never call the number on the screen.
How does the fake pop-up occur?
On a virus-free computer these pop-ups can occur when you mistype a web address, click a search link which redirects you to the malicious website, or a malicious advertisement can redirect you. If your computer already has adware or malware these pop-ups may occur when you visit any website whether or not the site is malicious or not. If you see pop-ups similar to those pictured while logged into your financial websites, contact Computer Techs right away for computer service. We also advise you to have an alternative web browser installed on your computer in case you are unable to use your primary browser.
Browsers now including scareware protection
In late 2024, Microsoft announced the intention to include scareware protection in their Edge browser. Other browsers such as Chrome, Firefox and Safari will likely follow with protections of their own. Read: Stand up to scareware with scareware blocker, now available in Microsoft Edge.
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