“More than $1 billion was lost to imposter scams in 2023 alone.”
– Federal Trade Commission
You’re working on your computer when—bam!—a flashing pop-up screams:
“Warning! Your system is infected with 37 viruses!”
Related Page: PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM COMMON SCAMS IN 2025
A red button urges you to click “Scan Now” to fix it. Your heart jumps. Is it real? Is your computer really in danger?
Here’s the truth: That pop-up is probably a scam.
Scammers are getting smarter. Their fake antivirus warnings are designed to look just real enough to trick you. One wrong click, and suddenly you're downloading malware, giving away sensitive info, or paying for a service that doesn't exist.
As a community bank, we’ve seen the damage these scams can cause—not just to your computer, but to your identity, finances, and peace of mind. That’s why we’re laying it all out in plain language: the exact red flags you need to watch for when an antivirus warning appears.
Let’s walk through the 7 signs that the alert on your screen is not what it claims to be.
1. It Shows Up Out of Nowhere — While You're Not Even Scanning
Legitimate antivirus programs don't just spontaneously pop up and scream at you.
If you’re browsing the web, checking email, or streaming a video—and suddenly get an “infection alert” from software you didn’t install—pause right there. That’s a huge red flag.
These pop-up scams usually come from compromised websites or malicious ads. They mimic your operating system (like Windows or macOS) or pretend to be from big names like Norton or McAfee.
Pro Tip:
If you didn’t initiate a scan, don’t trust the results. Close the browser tab immediately. Don’t click anything on the pop-up.
2. The Message Uses High-Pressure Language or Scare Tactics
Real security software doesn’t sound like a horror movie narrator.
If the message contains phrases like:
- “Immediate Action Required!”
- “System Files Are At Risk!”
- “Click Now or Lose Everything!”
…it’s trying to scare you into reacting emotionally. And that’s exactly what the scammer wants.
Authentic antivirus tools are designed to inform—not terrify. They don’t use blinking icons, countdown timers, or all-caps red alerts. If you feel like you’re being yelled at, it’s probably a scam.
Watch for: Urgency, aggressive fonts/colors, and threats of total system failure.
3. It Asks You to Call a Phone Number
This one’s a biggie. Legitimate antivirus companies do not ask you to call them from a pop-up. Ever.
Scammers will often say something like:
“Call Microsoft Support Immediately at 1-800-XXX-XXXX!”
Don’t call. Microsoft won’t call you. Norton won’t call you. Your antivirus company won’t ask you to call them.
If you call the number, you’ll be connected to a fake tech support “agent” who will:
- Ask for remote access to your computer
- Convince you to pay for unnecessary services
- Possibly steal personal or financial information
Pro Tip: Close the pop-up and run a scan using antivirus software you installed yourself—not the one yelling at you.
4. You Don’t Recognize the Software Name
Quick question: Do you remember installing “System Defender Pro 360 Pro Max Deluxe Plus”?
No? Then it’s probably fake.
Scammers often use names that sound legitimate—mixing in words like “Security,” “Shield,” “Defender,” or “Cleaner.” But if you’ve never heard of it and never installed it, don’t trust it.
How to verify:
Go to your list of installed programs or apps. If the antivirus in the pop-up isn’t there, it’s not real.
5. It Tells You to Download Something Immediately
Here’s a classic scam move:
“Download this urgent update to remove the virus now!”
That download? It’s the real infection. Malware, spyware, or ransomware is often embedded in these files. Once you install it, your system is compromised.
Legitimate antivirus software updates itself automatically or with your permission—usually through its official interface, not a pop-up ad.
❌ Never download anything from a browser pop-up.
✅ Always update your software from within the app or via the official website.
6. The Pop-Up Prevents You From Closing It
Scam pop-ups are designed to trap you.
You try to click the “X” or hit escape… but nothing works. It keeps reloading. Or worse—it goes full screen and freezes your browser.
This tactic is meant to make you panic and click the button just to make it go away. That button, of course, is a trap.
How to escape:
On a Windows PC, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
On a Mac, press Command + Option + Esc to force quit the browser.
Then relaunch your browser without restoring previous tabs.
7. It’s Asking for Payment Right Away
Some scams skip the tech support call and go straight to the money.
They’ll say:
“For only $59.99, you can remove all threats now!”
The moment you enter your credit card info, the scammer wins. You’ll either get:
- A fake program that does nothing
- A malicious tool that makes things worse
- Or nothing at all—and your credit card number stolen
Reminder: No legitimate antivirus asks for payment through a pop-up browser alert. Always purchase security software directly from the vendor’s verified website.
What To Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed
If you’ve already clicked, downloaded, or paid—don’t panic. But act fast:
1. Disconnect from the internet
This helps stop malware from communicating with external servers.
2. Run a trusted antivirus scan
Use software you know is real (like Norton, Malwarebytes, Bitdefender, etc.).
3. Uninstall suspicious programs
Look for anything unfamiliar installed recently.
4. Change your passwords
Especially for banking, email, and financial accounts.
5. Contact your bank
If you entered payment info, call your bank or credit card company to report potential fraud.
Report the scam. You can report fake antivirus scams to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
At Liberty Savings Bank, we care about your digital safety just as much as your financial well-being. If you’re ever unsure whether something is legit—online or otherwise—please don’t hesitate to contact us. We're here to help.
Trust Your Gut and Verify Everything
Scammers rely on fear, urgency, and confusion. That’s how they win. But now that you know the signs, you’ve taken away their biggest weapon: surprise.
If something doesn’t feel right—pause before you click.
Ask yourself: Did I initiate this? Does this seem off?
And remember: Real antivirus tools protect you quietly. Fake ones shout.
Stay safe out there. Your online habits are just as important as your passwords and PINs—and we’re here to help you protect both.
