Case file 03 · The fake security alert
Virus, malware and tech support scam removal
A full screen warning says your computer is infected and you need to call a number right now. It looks official. It isn't. Here is what to do in the next five minutes, and what we do after that.
The red screen
A popup says call this number. It is lying.
Fake security alerts, popups you can't close, strangers with remote access. We clean it out, shut the doors they used, and show you what to watch for.
Open the case fileFront door
Virus and scam removal
A full screen warning says your computer is infected and you need to call a number right now. It looks official. It isn't. Here is what to do in the next five minutes, and what we do after that.
Open the case fileUpstairs
Already let them connect?
Turn the computer off. If you shared any card or account details, call your bank from another phone. Then call us. We'll remove what they installed and check what they could reach.
Rose window
Lock the back door
Scammers often install remote access software so they can come back later. We find it and remove it.
The alert
Is the warning real?
If it has a phone number in it, it's fake. Microsoft, Apple and real antivirus programs don't put phone numbers in their warnings and don't ask you to call. Nobody legitimate asks to be paid in gift cards.
Lantern
If it is happening right now
Do not call the number. Do not let anyone connect. Hold the power button until the computer turns off. Then call us or send the signal.
Send the signalExplore the scene
Choose an object to open its case card.
Sound familiar?
- A warning with a phone number that fills the screen and won't close
- A loud alarm or a recorded voice telling you to call support
- Your browser keeps opening pages you didn't ask for
- A program you didn't install now starts with the computer
- Someone you don't know has connected to your computer remotely
- Your mouse moves on its own
How the Dude handles it
Get past the lock
Fake alerts are built to trap you in full screen. We get around them without calling anyone or paying anyone.
Find what launches it
The fake alert usually hides in the startup folder or poses as a real Windows program, so it comes back every time you sign in. We track it down and delete it.
Lock the back door
Scammers often install remote access software so they can come back later. We find it and remove it.
Scan and verify
A full scan, a clean restart, and a check that nothing comes back before you get the computer back.
Before you call
- Don't use the computer for banking until it has been checked
- Snap a photo of the fake alert, then turn the computer off
- Note whether anyone connected to your computer, and when
- Have your bank's number handy if you shared any card details
Straight answers
Is the warning on my screen real?
If it has a phone number in it, it's fake. Microsoft, Apple and real antivirus programs don't put phone numbers in their warnings and don't ask you to call. Nobody legitimate asks to be paid in gift cards.
I already let them connect. Now what?
Turn the computer off. If you shared any card or account details, call your bank from another phone. Then call us. We'll remove what they installed and check what they could reach.
Can you check my computer even if nothing seems wrong?
Yes. If something feels off, we can look it over and tell you whether anything is running that shouldn't be. A cyber security checkup goes further and locks down the accounts too.
Case 03 is open