$12.5B
FTC-reported fraud losses in 2024
FTC says consumers reported losing $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024.
Fake antivirus scams/Browser
tech support popup scam
A persistent browser popup warns of a critical security issue and instructs you to call a toll-free number, where scammers charge for unnecessary remote support services.
“fake virus alert”
↑ 59%Key indicators
Usually targetsNon-technical users
Often hitsTech workers and developers
Common regionUnited States
Last updated2026-04-04
Estimated impact
$960
median reported loss
Typical range$60 – $6.0K
Recovery rate~15%
Scam breakdown
1
Scam popups are delivered through malvertising networks embedded in legitimate websites.
2
The popup uses JavaScript to prevent closing the tab, making the user believe their computer is locked.
3
Victims who call are charged 200 to 500 USD for fake diagnostic and repair services performed via remote access.
What to do first
Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc (Windows) or Cmd+Option+Esc (Mac) to force-quit the browser without calling the number.
Related terms
tech support call scamremote support popupcomputer lock popupFake antivirus scamsBrowserSurgingNon-technical usersOlder adultsPC usersTech workers and developersRetirees and seniorsUnited StatesCanadaAustraliatech support call scamremote support popup
Real-world example
How this scam plays out in practice
Based on reported patterns. Names and details are illustrative.
The setup
Patricia, 35, a non-technical users, encountered what appeared to be a legitimate fake antivirus scams situation while using Browser. Scam popups are delivered through malvertising networks embedded in legitimate websites.
Step 2
What happened next was calculated: The popup uses JavaScript to prevent closing the tab, making the user believe their computer is locked.
Step 3
The pressure escalated quickly: Victims who call are charged 200 to 500 USD for fake diagnostic and repair services performed via remote access.
The outcome
Patricia realized something was wrong when the popup uses urgent language like 'your computer will be disabled' or 'call immediately'. By that point, significant damage had already been done — money sent, personal information shared, or trust exploited.
The lesson
Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc (Windows) or Cmd+Option+Esc (Mac) to force-quit the browser without calling the number. Patricia's experience shows why the popup uses urgent language like 'your computer will be disabled' or 'call immediately' and it plays alarm sounds or text-to-speech warnings to create panic are the clearest early warning signs.
How to identify it
- The popup uses urgent language like 'Your computer will be disabled' or 'Call immediately'
- It plays alarm sounds or text-to-speech warnings to create panic
- The browser appears frozen and the popup resists being closed
- Pause before paying, clicking, or sharing information. Scammers rely on speed.
- Verify the sender, company, or agency using a phone number or website you already know is legitimate.
- Treat secrecy, urgency, and off-platform payment requests as strong scam signals.
What to do now
- ✓Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc (Windows) or Cmd+Option+Esc (Mac) to force-quit the browser without calling the number.
- ✓Install a reputable ad blocker to reduce exposure to malvertising-based popups.
- ✓Report the incident to the FTC and the BBB Scam Tracker.
What to save before reporting
- ✓Save the message, profile, phone number, email, or URL that was used.
- ✓Keep payment confirmations, receipts, and account alerts before you dispute or delete anything.
- ✓Write down the timeline while the details are still fresh.
How big is this problem
You are not alone — this scam affects millions of people.
These numbers come from government agencies and official reports. If you have been affected, know that this is a widespread problem — not something that only happens to careless people.
FTC 2024 fraud losses
Imposters
Most common FTC fraud category in 2024
FTC says imposter scams remained the most commonly reported fraud category in 2024.
History and evolution
- This scam family tends to persist because the social-engineering pressure works even when the exact scripts, platforms, and payment methods change.
- The specific packaging evolves over time, but the core pattern usually stays the same: create urgency, control the channel, and push action before verification.
- The BBB Scam Tracker reports that tech support scams are consistently among the riskiest scam types, with a median loss of 200 USD per victim.
Recovery and follow-up
- ✓Save the messages, receipts, account alerts, and transaction details before you block or delete anything.
- ✓Report the scam through the official platform or government channel that best matches where it happened.
- ✓Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc (Windows) or Cmd+Option+Esc (Mac) to force-quit the browser without calling the number.
- ✓Install a reputable ad blocker to reduce exposure to malvertising-based popups.
- ✓Report the incident to the FTC and the BBB Scam Tracker.
Why this pattern keeps working
Even when the story changes, most scams still use the same pressure pattern: urgency, authority, and a request to move money or data fast.
The BBB Scam Tracker reports that tech support scams are consistently among the riskiest scam types, with a median loss of 200 USD per victim.
BBB Scam Tracker 2025
Where to report it
If you have been targeted by this scam, reporting it helps authorities track the pattern and protect others. United States has dedicated agencies that handle fraud reports.
ReportFraud.gov
Federal Trade Commission
Central U.S. consumer fraud reporting portal.
File an IC3 complaint
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
FBI portal for internet-enabled crime reports.
Start identity theft recovery
IdentityTheft.gov
Official U.S. identity theft recovery plan builder.
Explore further
Understand the bigger picture
Who is most at risk
Who this scam targets
Primary targets
Non-technical users, Older adults, PC users
Geographic concentration
United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom
Primary channel
Browser — Fake antivirus scams
Why this group is vulnerable
Non-technical users are particularly vulnerable because this scam exploits trust in familiar brands, authority figures, and time-sensitive decisions. The rapid increase in reports suggests that awareness among this demographic remains low.
Sources and methodology
How we verify this information
OpenScam tracks scam patterns using a combination of government consumer protection databases (FTC, IC3, Action Fraud), platform-specific fraud reports, and verified consumer complaint data. Each entry is cross-referenced against at least two independent sources before publication.
Severity ratings are based on financial impact potential, reversibility of damage, and volume of reports across multiple reporting channels. Trend velocity reflects the rate of change in report volume over the most recent 90-day window.
This page was last verified on 2026-04-04. Red flags, recovery steps, and reporting resources are reviewed quarterly against current agency guidance.
Evidence and indicators
- The BBB Scam Tracker reports that tech support scams are consistently among the riskiest scam types, with a median loss of 200 USD per victim.
Source notes
- BBB Scam Tracker 2025
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about tech support popup scam
How does the tech support popup scam work?+
Scam popups are delivered through malvertising networks embedded in legitimate websites. The popup uses JavaScript to prevent closing the tab, making the user believe their computer is locked. Victims who call are charged 200 to 500 USD for fake diagnostic and repair services performed via remote access.
What are the warning signs of tech support popup scam?+
The popup uses urgent language like 'Your computer will be disabled' or 'Call immediately' It plays alarm sounds or text-to-speech warnings to create panic The browser appears frozen and the popup resists being closed
What should I do if I encounter tech support popup scam?+
Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc (Windows) or Cmd+Option+Esc (Mac) to force-quit the browser without calling the number. Install a reputable ad blocker to reduce exposure to malvertising-based popups. Report the incident to the FTC and the BBB Scam Tracker.
Who is most at risk for tech support popup scam?+
This scam primarily targets Non-technical users, Older adults, PC users. It is most commonly reported in United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom and typically appears on Browser.
Is tech support popup scam getting worse?+
tech support popup scam is currently surging — reports are increasing rapidly. It has been reported across US, CA, AU, UK. Last updated 2026-04-04.
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Help someone avoid this scam.
Scammers succeed because people do not talk about it. If you or someone you know has been affected, there is no shame in it — it happens to millions of people every year. Share this page with friends and family so they know what to look for.