Concerned you’ve already been scammed? Scroll down or click here. This can happen to anyone on any computer, new or old.

Unfortunately, many who’ve been scammed are convinced it wasn’t a scam, because the fake “tech support” finds and fixes (or seems to fix) real problems, or because the process began when they were having an issue.

Has this ever happened to you? You’re browsing the internet when suddenly – BAM! – an alarming message pops up saying your computer is in danger (video example here). Your heart skips a beat because it looks so real, complete with familiar logos from companies like Microsoft or Apple.

Don’t worry – you’re not alone. Here’s what’s really going on!

Take a deep breath – legitimate tech companies like Microsoft or Apple will never show you sudden pop-ups about viruses while you’re browsing.

Never call phone numbers from pop-ups – real tech support won’t contact you this way.

These scary-looking pop-ups are actually clever tricks created by scammers. Think of them like digital con artists trying to convince you there’s an emergency when there really isn’t. They’re hoping you’ll panic and:

• Call their fake “help” number
• Download their seemingly safe but actually dangerous software
• Click on their malicious links

When in doubt, close the browser window or tab. If it won’t close normally, you can press Alt+F4 (Windows) or Command+Q (Mac) to force-quit your browser.

Remember: A genuine computer problem rarely announces itself through a pop-up! If you’re ever unsure, it’s always better to ask a tech-savvy friend or contact your computer’s manufacturer directly through their official website.
Stay safe out there!

Different Variations and Content Used for Pop-up Ads/Warnings

Pop-up ads and warnings can take many forms, each designed to trick you into taking a specific action. Understanding the different types can help you recognize and avoid them.

• Virus Infection Alerts: A pop-up claims your computer is infected with dangerous viruses and malware, urging immediate action.
• System Failure Warnings: Messages may claim your system is about to crash or your hard drive is corrupted, prompting you to call tech support.
• Security Breach Notifications: These pop-ups warn that your personal data has been compromised due to a security breach and that you need to contact support immediately.
• Fake Antivirus Alerts: Some pop-ups imitate antivirus software, stating your Wcurrent protection has expired or a virus was detected, directing you to download fake security tools.
• Browser Hijack Pop-ups: A pop-up may claim your browser has been hacked or compromised, blocking you from closing it without calling the provided number.

How to Tell if a Pop-up Ad is a Scam

Not all pop-ups are harmful, but it’s crucial to know how to identify those that are scams. Here are some common signs to watch for:

• Urgency and Panic Language: Scammers use alarming language like “Your computer is at risk!” or “Immediate action required!” to create a sense of urgency.
• Fake Company Logos: Pop-ups may display logos of reputable companies (e.g., Microsoft, Apple, or your antivirus provider) to appear legitimate. However, real companies will not contact you through pop-up warnings.
• Request to Call a Number: Genuine tech support will never ask you to call a phone number shown in a pop-up ad. If the message insists you call immediately, it’s a scam.
• Inability to Close the Window: Some scam pop-ups will lock your browser, making it difficult to close the window without contacting “support.”
• Unsolicited Downloads: If a pop-up directs you to download software or a program to “fix” the issue, it’s likely malware designed to harm your computer.

Scroll down or click here if you’re concerned you’ve already been scammed.

Already Scammed?

Here’s what you should do immediately if you’ve paid any money or scammers have accessed your financial accounts:

Contact Your Financial Institutions Immediately

1. Call your credit card company and/or bank right away to report the fraud
2. Ask them to freeze or cancel affected cards/accounts
3. Request chargebacks for fraudulent charges
4. Document who you spoke with and when

Change Critical Account Security

1. Change passwords for your banking and credit card accounts
2. Enable two-factor authentication if available
3. Update security questions/answers
4. Log out of all sessions on other devices

Document Everything

1. Take screenshots of fraudulent charges
2. Save any emails or messages from the scammers
3. Write down exactly what happened while it’s fresh in your mind
4. Keep records of all communications with your bank/credit card company

File Official Reports

1. File a report with your local police department
2. Submit a complaint to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov
3. Report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov

Monitor Your Accounts

1. Check your accounts daily for any new suspicious activity
2. Review your credit reports at annualcreditreport.com
3. Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit bureaus:
   • Equifax: 1-800-685-1111
   • Experian: 1-888-397-3742
   • TransUnion: 1-888-909-8872

Moving Forward

1. Keep monitoring your accounts for several months
2. Watch for suspicious emails or calls – scammers may try to target you again
3. Consider identity theft protection services if you’re concerned about ongoing risks
4. The most important thing is to act quickly – the faster you report fraud, the better protected you’ll be.

What About Using Ad Blockers?

Google’s recent implementation of Manifest V3 in Chrome has made it more challenging for users to effectively block ads, prompting many to seek alternative strategies for maintaining a ad-free browsing experience. As reported by PCWorld and Bleeping Computer, these changes, set to fully take effect in June 2024, have sparked concerns among users and ad-blocking extension developers alike.

Alternative Browsers for Ad Blocking

For users seeking effective ad blocking capabilities, exploring alternative browsers has become a viable solution. Firefox and Safari have not fully adopted Manifest V3, allowing for more robust ad blocking functionality compared to Chrome

1. The Brave browser has also committed to maintaining powerful ad blocking features despite Chromium changes
2. These alternatives provide users with options to continue enjoying an ad-free browsing experience without the limitations imposed by Chrome’s new extension system. It’s worth noting that while Chrome will be deprecating Manifest V2 starting in June 2024, the timeline for other browsers to follow suit remains less clear, giving users a window of opportunity to adapt their ad blocking strategies

Ad Blockers Optimized for Manifest V3

Several ad blockers have adapted to work effectively within the constraints of Manifest V3. Ghostery and uBlock Origin Lite have been optimized to function under the new restrictions, offering users continued ad-blocking capabilities

1. These adapted extensions utilize a combination of static and dynamic rules to provide effective ad blocking while complying with Manifest V3 limitations
2. To maintain optimal performance, it’s crucial for users to regularly update their chosen ad blocker, as developers continue to refine their approaches in response to evolving ad technologies and platform changes

Custom Filters for YouTube Ads

To combat YouTube’s ad blocker detection, users can employ custom filters in uBlock Origin. These filters bypass detection mechanisms and maintain an ad-free viewing experience. Specific custom rules can be added to uBlock Origin, such as:

• youtube.com##+js(set,yt.config_.openPopupConfig.supportedPopups.adBlockMessageViewModel, false)
• youtube.com##+js(set, Object.prototype.adBlocksFound, 0)
• youtube.com##+js(set, ytplayer.config.args.raw_player_response.adPlacements, [])
• youtube.com##+js(set, Object.prototype.hasAllowedInstreamAd, true)

These filters target YouTube’s ad detection systems and can be particularly effective for users who prefer to continue using Chrome while maintaining ad-blocking capabilities

Alternative Apps for Ad-Free YouTube

For mobile users seeking an ad-free YouTube experience, alternative apps offer a solution. ReVanced, a modified version of the YouTube app for Android devices, provides an ad-free viewing experience

These third-party apps often include additional features beyond ad blocking, such as background playback and video downloading. However, users should exercise caution when installing modified apps, as they may not receive official security updates and could potentially violate YouTube’s terms of service.

It’s important to note that the availability and functionality of these alternative apps may change over time as YouTube updates its platform to counter ad-blocking techniques.

Legal Issues

U.S. laws address deceptive practices like fake browser popup warnings. The Truth in Caller ID Act prohibits transmitting misleading or inaccurate caller ID information with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongly obtain anything of value. Violators can face penalties of up to $10,000 for each violation.

Additionally, these practices likely violate other consumer protection laws enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC Act prohibits “unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce,” which would include fake popup warnings designed to trick users into calling scam numbers.

It’s important to note that legitimate companies do not use popup warnings to solicit calls or services. Microsoft, for example, explicitly states that they do not make unsolicited phone calls to provide technical support.