Quick fix: a pop-up says "virus detected, call this number." What do I do?

First, take a breath. That pop-up is a scam. Real virus warnings from Microsoft or Apple never ask you to call a number.

1. Do not call the number, and do not click anything inside the pop-up.
2. Close the browser. On Windows, press Ctrl, Shift and Esc to open Task Manager, click your browser, then click End task. On a Mac, press Command, Option and Esc, choose your browser, then click Force Quit.
3. When you open the browser again, if it offers to restore your previous tabs, say no.
4. Never let anyone you didn't contact yourself take remote control of your computer.
5. Never pay anyone with gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency. No real company asks for that.

If you already called, let them in, or paid, act now:
1. Disconnect from the internet by turning off Wi-Fi or unplugging the network cable.
2. Call your bank or card company using the number on the back of your card.
3. From a different, trusted device, change your email and banking passwords.

Stop and get help if the pop-up comes back after a restart, or if anyone had remote access. The computer should be checked before you use it for banking again.

Still stuck? Post your make, model and what you see in this topic, or send me a request for a free assessment.