Why Am I Getting Strange Pop-Ups? Could They Be a Scam?
Learn what strange computer pop-ups can mean, how to recognize fake security warnings, and what to do without giving a scammer access to your device.
What’s happening?
Pop-ups are small windows or messages that appear while you're using a website or computer.
Some pop-ups are legitimate advertisements or notifications. Others are designed to scare you into calling a phone number, downloading software, or giving someone access to your computer.
How these scams work
Strange pop-ups can come from:
- A website showing advertisements
- Browser notifications you previously allowed
- A misleading or deceptive website
- Unwanted browser extensions or software
- A tech-support scam
- A fake virus or security warning
What you should do
- Don't click buttons or phone numbers in a suspicious pop-up.
- Don't call a number shown in a warning claiming your computer is infected.
- Close the browser window or tab if you can do so safely.
- Don't download software because a pop-up tells you that you need it.
- If pop-ups continue, check your browser's notification settings for websites you don't recognize.
- If you're unsure whether a message is legitimate, stop before making changes you don't understand.
A normal advertisement may be annoying but isn't necessarily a sign that your computer has a virus. A warning that demands immediate payment, a phone call, or remote access is much more concerning.
Stop here
If the pop-ups continue even when you're not browsing, or the computer begins behaving unusually, don't keep clicking through messages or installing software.
If a pop-up asks for remote access, payment, passwords, or verification codes, stop.
Treat urgent messages that demand a phone call, payment, remote access, or personal information as suspicious. A browser pop-up is not proof that Microsoft, Apple, or another company has detected a problem.
Still having trouble?
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
LoTyde Tech Assistance provides friendly, patient technology help for residents throughout Indiana County and surrounding communities.
If you’ve tried the basic troubleshooting steps and still need help, we’re here to help.
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