One of the most common ways that scammers try to get access to your computer to do their evil deeds is to plant the Internet with scam pop ups that will prompt you to call into the scammers.
First of all, let me get this out of the way. If you see any pop up that claims to come from Apple, Microsoft, or anyone else that prompts you to call a number to resolve some sort of virus or security issue, it is fake. No company would do this. And your antivirus software will never prompt you to call a number.
Now, let’s talk about how to spot and deal with these scams:
- Do not click on the pop-up
- Look for spelling mistakes and unprofessional images. These scams are filled with this sort of stuff.
- Do not call the number in the pop-up. Nor should you give out personal details or payment details if for whatever reason you call the number. Which again, you should never, ever do. And you should never give anyone remote access to your computer ever.
- Try to close your browser to get rid of the pop ups.
- If that doesn’t work, try to restart your computer.
- If that doesn’t work, then you should run an antivirus application to try to get rid of the pop ups.
- If that doesn’t work, see a computer professional for assistance.
In terms of of preventing the possibility of pop up scams hitting your computer, here’s some suggestions:
- Use anti-virus software or a complete internet security solution.
- Keep your anti-virus and internet security software updated
- Keep your browser, software and operating system updated
- Do not click on unverified links in spam emails, messages or unfamiliar websites
- Never open attachments in spam emails
Pro Tip #1: You should block pop-ups in your browser by default. Turn on your browser’s ad blocker and block pop-ups by default. Inspect any website or page that requires you to turn off these features—or better yet, avoid them altogether.
Pro Tip #2: Deleting unusual apps and extensions from your browser. If you find any unusual apps or programs on your device, especially ones you didn’t install. They’re likely infected bad.
Finally, I want to reiterate that Apple, Microsoft, or anyone else that prompts you to call a number to resolve some sort of virus or security issue. So if you see one of these pop ups, please take the advice that I have written above to protect yourself accordingly.
Pop Up #Scams…. What They Are And What You Can Do To Stop Them
Posted in Commentary with tags Scam on March 12, 2023 by itnerdOne of the most common ways that scammers try to get access to your computer to do their evil deeds is to plant the Internet with scam pop ups that will prompt you to call into the scammers.
First of all, let me get this out of the way. If you see any pop up that claims to come from Apple, Microsoft, or anyone else that prompts you to call a number to resolve some sort of virus or security issue, it is fake. No company would do this. And your antivirus software will never prompt you to call a number.
Now, let’s talk about how to spot and deal with these scams:
In terms of of preventing the possibility of pop up scams hitting your computer, here’s some suggestions:
Pro Tip #1: You should block pop-ups in your browser by default. Turn on your browser’s ad blocker and block pop-ups by default. Inspect any website or page that requires you to turn off these features—or better yet, avoid them altogether.
Pro Tip #2: Deleting unusual apps and extensions from your browser. If you find any unusual apps or programs on your device, especially ones you didn’t install. They’re likely infected bad.
Finally, I want to reiterate that Apple, Microsoft, or anyone else that prompts you to call a number to resolve some sort of virus or security issue. So if you see one of these pop ups, please take the advice that I have written above to protect yourself accordingly.
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