CRITICAL tech support
Is “should i call the microsoft support number on the popup” a scam?
Yes — this is a known, dangerous scam.
A full-screen browser pop-up or audio alarm claims your computer is infected and shows a fake Microsoft or Apple support number. If you call, the "technician" asks to remotely access your device.
How to tell
- ⚠ Real Microsoft and Apple never display a phone number in security alerts
- ⚠ Pop-up may play a loud alarm sound to create panic
- ⚠ Browser tab appears locked — pressing Esc or Alt+F4 / Cmd+Q closes it
- ⚠ Caller asks you to install AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or Quick Support
What to do right now
- 1 Do not call the number on screen — close the browser with Alt+F4 (Windows) or Cmd+Q (Mac)
- 2 If the browser won't close, restart your computer by holding the power button
- 3 Do not install any software the caller requests
- 4 If you installed any 'support' or 'server' or 'refund app' or remote-access app at the scammer's request (AnyDesk, TeamViewer, Quick Support, etc.), run free SeraphSecure (https://www.seraphsecure.com) to detect and remove it.
- 5 Report to the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov and the FBI's IC3 at https://www.ic3.gov.
Was remote-access software installed?
If a scammer asked you to install AnyDesk, TeamViewer, Quick Support, or any remote-access app, your device may still be compromised.
Run SeraphSecure to detect and remove it →Full guidance, red flags, variants & official sources
Microsoft / Apple security alert pop-up asks you to call a number →