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Never call the phone number displayed on the screen. The person on the other end is not a technician; they are a scammer.

: They often use logos of trusted companies like McAfee, Microsoft, or Apple but are actually hosted on unrelated, suspicious domains.

Phishing Pop-Ups: How to Spot and Avoid the Internet’s Most Common Trap

You are browsing the internet, perhaps reading an article or shopping, when suddenly your screen freezes. A loud alarm blares from your speakers. A bright red window covers your browser, claiming to be from Microsoft or Apple, warning that your computer has been infected with a virus.

These pop-ups claim you are the "1,000th visitor" or have won a new iPhone or a high-value gift card.

If you encounter one of these, Not even the "Close" or "Cancel" button, as these are often masked links that trigger a download. Force Quit Your Browser:

These are . While they look like urgent security alerts, they are actually digital traps designed to steal your passwords, credit card numbers, or remote access to your computer.

Words like "Immediate Action Required," "System Failure," or "Police Warning."

We’ve all been there: You’re browsing a website when suddenly, your screen freezes or a bright red window explodes into view. A siren might sound, or a robotic voice warns that your computer is infected with "23 viruses."

Phishing pop-ups (also known as "tech support scams") are deceptive browser alerts designed to trick you into calling fake support numbers, downloading malware, or providing sensitive data. 1. How to Spot a Phishing Pop-Up