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The Tech Grandkid · thetechgrandkid.com/guides/fake-virus-pop-up/

A pop-up says you have a virus. Don't call the number.

For: iPhone, Android or computer

Last checked October 14, 2026 against official help from the FTC, Apple and Google. Written for iOS 27, Android, Mac.

A pop-up that says your device is infected and tells you to call for help is a trick. Your phone or computer is almost always fine. Here's how to get rid of it.

This page is for you if

  • A warning says your phone or computer is infected
  • A pop-up says to call Apple, Microsoft or tech support
  • The screen beeps or flashes and won't go away

Why this happens

The FTC says real security warnings never ask you to call a phone number. Scammers make fake pop-ups that look like they come from Apple, Microsoft or another big company. If you call, they ask to get into your computer and then ask for money.

Do these steps

  1. Don't call the number

    Do not call the phone number on the screen. Do not tap or click anything inside the pop-up, even a button that says Close. Apple warns that some close buttons are fake.

  2. Leave the page

    On iPhone or iPad: tap the top of the screen to see the search bar, type a new web address or search, and go there. Or close the tab. On a Mac: quit Safari, then hold the Shift key while you open Safari again so the old tabs don't come back. On Android: close the tab in Chrome.

  3. Turn on pop-up blocking (iPhone)

    Open Settings, tap Apps, then Safari. Turn on Block Pop-ups and Fraudulent Website Warning.

  4. Turn on pop-up blocking (Android)

    Open Chrome. Tap the More button (three dots), then Settings. Tap Site settings, then Pop-ups and redirects, and turn it off. Off means pop-ups are blocked.

  5. Update your software

    Install the latest updates for your phone or computer. Updates often fix security problems.

  6. Tell someone you trust

    Call a family member or friend and tell them what happened. The FTC says talking it over helps people spot a scam.

Already called the number or let someone in?

  • Hang up. Don't let anyone connect to your computer or phone.
  • If you gave a password, change it now. Change it anywhere else you used the same one.
  • If you paid or shared bank details, call your bank using the number on the back of your card.
  • Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you lost money, also report it to the FBI at ic3.gov.

Check it with the source

We wrote these steps from these official pages. If your screen looks different, the official page is always right.

Still stuck?

Tell Buster what you see, in your own words.

Ask Buster something else

Or email us at buster@thetechgrandkid.com. Never send us a password or a code.

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