Halloween is the season for jump scares, but one surprise you definitely don’t want is a frightening warning suddenly appearing on your computer screen.
Fake security warnings, sometimes called “scareware,” are designed to make you panic. A pop-up may claim your computer has been infected with viruses, your personal information is at risk, or your device has been locked. Some may include flashing warnings, alarms, countdowns, or a phone number for “technical support.”
The important thing to remember is that seeing a scary pop-up doesn’t necessarily mean there’s anything wrong with your device. A deceptive website can display a convincing warning simply to frighten you into taking action.
If this happens, don’t click buttons inside the pop-up, download anything, or call the phone number provided. Instead, try closing the browser tab or window. If it won’t close normally, completely close the browser or restart your device rather than interacting with the warning.
Afterward, if you’re concerned, run a security scan using trusted antivirus or security software already installed on your device.
Be especially cautious if someone claiming to be technical support asks for payment, passwords, credit card information, or permission to remotely control your computer. Those are major warning signs of a scam.
Scammers want their pop-ups to work like a Halloween jump scare: surprise you, frighten you, and make you react immediately.
Don’t give them the scare they’re looking for. Close the message, take your time, and investigate any possible problem using security tools or support services you already trust.
This week’s Do You Know Bedford? answer: The Bedford branch of the Cleveland Trust Company.
