What it looks like
"WINDOWS DEFENDER ALERT: Your computer has been blocked. Suspicious activity detected. Do not restart your computer. Call Microsoft Support immediately at 1-844-XXX-XXXX."
An example. Real ones change their wording, amounts and names all the time.
How it works
The pop-up comes from a website, not from your computer. It can appear after a mistyped web address, a bad ad, or a link in an email. It is built to look like a Windows or Apple security warning, and it may fill the whole screen and play a voice saying your files are at risk. Nothing is actually wrong with your computer.
When you call, a friendly 'technician' asks you to install a program so they can connect. They run commands that scroll scary text, and point to normal system messages as proof of a virus. Then comes the bill for a 'support plan', paid by card, gift cards, wire transfer or cryptocurrency. While connected, some look through your bank accounts and use what they see to start a bigger scam.
It fools smart people because the warning looks official and the noise makes it hard to think. The FTC says real security warnings will never ask you to call a phone number, and real tech companies will not contact you to say there is a problem with your computer.
Signs it is fake
- A warning that fills the screen, sometimes with beeping or a recorded voice
- A phone number to call. Microsoft says its real error and warning messages never include a phone number.
- A warning not to turn off or restart your computer
- The 'technician' wants to connect to your computer, then charges you to fix it
What to do
- Do not call the number.
- Close the web browser. If it will not close, hold the power button until the computer turns off, then turn it back on.
- If you are still worried, ask someone you trust or a local repair shop to take a look.
If you already clicked, called or paid
- If they connected to your computer, turn it off and have it checked before you use online banking again.
- Change your passwords from a different device, starting with your email and your bank.
- If you paid, call your bank or card company and ask them to stop or reverse the charge.
- Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Being fooled is not your fault. These messages are made by professionals to look real. Acting quickly is what matters. See what to do if you paid a scammer.
Not sure about a message?
Forward it to Uncle at +1 208 214 0093, or send a screenshot. He tells you plainly what looks wrong. He never asks for passwords or codes, and he never texts first. How it works.
Worried about a parent? With the Family plan, you get a heads up when a likely scam reaches them.
More common scams
- Phantom hacker scam
- Fake invoice or renewal email
- Online marketplace scam
- Romance scam
- See all common scams
Written by the Textuncle team. Last updated October 3, 2026.
Text Uncle