What is a Pop-Up Scam?

Pop-Up Computer Scams

Pop-up computer scams are a type of cyber-attack where fraudsters impersonate legitimate tech support representatives, often claiming to be from reputable companies like Microsoft or Apple. Here’s an explanation on how these scams typically work:

• The Initial Pop-Up: The victim receives a pop-up message on their computer screen. The pop-up is designed to look official and alarming. It often contains a message stating the computer is infected with a virus, has been compromised or something bad has been detected and will have a phone number for the victim to call. This phone number is controlled by the scammer who will pose as a tech support representative. 
  NOTE: Do not call the phone number provided in the pop-up, instead call the company using a phone number obtained from a directory or online search for number.
• Urgency & Fear Tactics: Once the victim calls the number provided in the pop-up a fake representative will usually say something has been detected on their computer such as a virus, compromised security or illegal materials were found. The fraudster will try to push a sense of urgency on the victim that this must be solved immediately or give a time frame. 
  NOTE: A legitimate company would never rush or pressure you into sending money immediately or threaten you to do so.
• Request for Access or Payment: To “fix” the non-existent issues, the scammer may request to access the victim’s computer remotely. Alternatively, they may ask for payment for their supposed service often claiming a fee is required for specialized software or to remove the illegal materials they detected. The scammer will want a payment in the form of something that can’t be traced easily such as crypto currency, cash app transfers or gift cards. 
  NOTE: Do not send any funds in a cash app, crypto or purchase gift cards to pay for services. Again, contact the company directly.
• Monetary Loss to the Victim: If the victim complies with the scammer’s instructions, they may end up paying a substantial amount of money for unnecessary services or software. In more extreme cases, the scammer may also attempt to steal personal or financial information. 
  NOTE: Never give out your personal information such as account numbers or social security number.

It is crucial to be aware of these scams and never trust unsolicited pop-ups. If you encounter these pop-ups, it’s best to shut down your computer and seek the advice of a trusted IT professional. Also, please remember that First Federal will never call to ask you for your personal information or account number.