Microsoft / Apple security alert pop-up asks you to call a number
A full-screen browser pop-up or audio alarm claims your computer is infected and shows a fake Microsoft or Apple support number. If you call, the "technician" asks to remotely access your device.
Also known as: tech support pop-up scam, browser locker scam, Microsoft support scam
Already happened to you? Do this in the next few minutes
- 1 Call your bank or card's fraud line right now. Use the number on the back of your card — not any number from the message or caller. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and freeze the account.
- 2 If you paid by gift card, wire, or an app (Zelle, Venmo, Cash App): contact that company immediately and report it as fraud. Acting fast sometimes recovers the money.
- 3 Report to the FBI at ic3.gov and the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. The sooner, the better.
- ! If you installed any "support", "server", "refund", or remote-access app at their request (AnyDesk, TeamViewer, Quick Support, etc.): disconnect the internet now, then run free SeraphSecure (https://www.seraphsecure.com) to detect and remove it.
What to do right now
- 1 Do not call the number on screen — close the browser with Alt+F4 (Windows) or Cmd+Q (Mac)
- 2 If the browser won't close, restart your computer by holding the power button
- 3 Do not install any software the caller requests
- 4 If you installed any 'support' or 'server' or 'refund app' or remote-access app at the scammer's request (AnyDesk, TeamViewer, Quick Support, etc.), run free SeraphSecure (https://www.seraphsecure.com) to detect and remove it.
- 5 Report to the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov and the FBI's IC3 at https://www.ic3.gov.
Was remote-access software installed?
If a scammer asked you to install AnyDesk, TeamViewer, Quick Support, or any remote-access app, your device may still be compromised.
Run SeraphSecure to detect and remove it →Red flags
- ⚠ Real Microsoft and Apple never display a phone number in security alerts
- ⚠ Pop-up may play a loud alarm sound to create panic
- ⚠ Browser tab appears locked — pressing Esc or Alt+F4 / Cmd+Q closes it
- ⚠ Caller asks you to install AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or Quick Support
Known variants
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Scammers auto-add a fake subscription-renewal receipt to Google Calendar — bypassing email filters — showing a large charge ($200–$400) for antivirus software (Malwarebytes, Norton, Geek Squad). The event includes a phone number to call to 'cancel.' Calling connects to fake tech support who request your card number or remote access.
Last seen: 6/12/2026
Sources
- FTC — Tech Support Scams
- Microsoft — How to spot tech support scams
- FTC — Imposter scams hit record $3.5 billion in 2025 (May 2026)
- FBI IC3 — 2025 Internet Crime Annual Report: tech support scams at $2.1B (Apr 2026)
- Malwarebytes — Watch out for fake Malwarebytes renewal notices in your calendar (Mar 2026)
- Google — June 2026 frauds and scams advisory: calendar phishing highlighted
- Techlicious — Google Calendar is adding scam billing notices to your schedule (2026)