How do you recognize fake antivirus warnings and tech-support scams?
The short answer
Real antivirus never shows full-screen browser warnings with phone numbers, countdown timers or payment demands. Those popups are the scam. Close the tab or the whole browser and never call the number. Then run a scan with the security software you actually have installed.
In detail
The "your computer is infected" popup is one of the most profitable scams on the internet. It works by imitating the very software that is meant to protect you. The signs are always similar. It appears in your browser. Real antivirus alerts come from the app itself. It pushes urgency with timers and alarm sounds. It shows a phone number, and no real vendor asks you to call from a popup. It asks for remote access or payment in gift cards.
The right response is calm and simple. Close the tab. If the popup has taken over the window, close the browser through Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc). Do not call and do not click "remove infections". Install nothing it offers. For peace of mind, then run a scan with your own security software. Malwarebytes is excellent at clearing out the adware that often causes these pages.
Tell the people around you about this. These scams mostly target less technical users. Real companies never cold-call about infections or ask for gift cards. They also never need sudden remote access to "fix" a home PC. One family conversation prevents more damage than any software.
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