Pop-up warnings are one of the most common tactics used by scammers to trick people into calling fake support numbers, installing malware, or handing over money. This article explains how to recognise a suspicious pop-up and exactly what to do when you see one.
What Does a Suspicious Pop-Up Look Like?
Suspicious pop-ups often appear suddenly while browsing and are designed to look alarming. They typically:
- Fill your entire screen or block you from closing them
- Display urgent warning messages in large red or yellow text
- Claim your computer has a virus, has been hacked, or is being blocked
- Display a phone number and tell you to call immediately
- Play a loud alarm sound or a voice message repeating a warning
- Claim to be from Microsoft, Apple, Windows Defender, or your internet provider
- Say your files or personal information are at risk
They are almost always fake.
Common Examples
"Your computer has been blocked" A full-screen page claiming to be from Microsoft or Windows Security saying your computer has been blocked due to suspicious activity and you must call a number immediately.
"Virus detected — call now" A pop-up claiming your antivirus has detected a serious virus and you need to call a support number to remove it.
"Your subscription has expired" A pop-up claiming your antivirus or Windows licence has expired and you need to call or pay immediately to renew it.
"Your computer is sending out viruses" A pop-up claiming your computer is infected and is spreading viruses to others, and your internet will be disconnected unless you call immediately.
The Golden Rule
Microsoft, Apple, Windows, and your internet provider will never display a pop-up with a phone number and ask you to call them.
If a pop-up is displaying a phone number — it is a scam. Do not call it.
What to Do
Step 1 — Do Not Call Any Number Shown
No matter how convincing the pop-up looks or how alarming the message sounds — do not call any phone number displayed on the screen. Scammers use these numbers to convince you to install remote access software, pay for fake services, or hand over your banking details.
Step 2 — Do Not Click Anything on the Pop-Up
Avoid clicking any buttons on the pop-up — including buttons that say "Close", "Cancel", or "Remove Virus". Some pop-ups are designed to install malware when you click anywhere on them.
Step 3 — Close Your Browser
The safest way to get rid of a pop-up is to close your entire browser:
Windows:
- Press Alt + F4 to close the browser window
- If that doesn't work, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
- Find your browser in the list (Chrome, Edge, Firefox etc.)
- Click End Task
Mac:
- Press Command + Q to quit the browser
- If that doesn't work, press Command + Option + Escape to open Force Quit
- Select your browser and click Force Quit
Step 4 — Do Not Reopen Your Last Session
When you reopen your browser, if it asks whether you want to restore your previous tabs — click No or Don't Restore. This prevents the pop-up page from loading again.
Step 5 — Run a Quick Check
Once your browser is closed, your computer should be back to normal. If you're on the Pro plan, LanClub's endpoint protection will be monitoring for any threats in the background.
If you're concerned that something was installed or you accidentally clicked something on the pop-up, contact us straight away.
What if I Can't Close the Browser?
If the pop-up has completely frozen your browser and you can't close it:
Windows: Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds to force your computer to shut down, then restart it normally.
Mac: Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds to force shutdown, then restart normally.
This is safe to do and will not cause any damage to your computer.
What if I Already Called the Number?
If you called a number shown on a pop-up and spoke to someone:
- Hang up immediately if the call is still in progress
- If they asked you to install any software — contact us immediately on +64 22 573 3469 or email help@lanclub.nz with the subject: URGENT — Possible Scam
- If they asked for payment or accessed your banking — call your bank's fraud line immediately and then contact us
- Do not call the number back
NZ Bank Fraud Lines:
- ANZ: 0800 269 296
- ASB: 0800 803 804
- BNZ: 0800 275 269
- Kiwibank: 0800 113 355
- Westpac: 0800 400 600
How to Avoid Pop-Up Scams in Future
- Keep your browser updated — your Pro plan handles this automatically
- Avoid clicking on ads or links from untrusted websites
- If a website triggers an alarm or unusual behaviour, close it immediately
- Your NextDNS firewall (Standard and Pro plans) blocks many known scam domains before they even load
Useful Resources
| Resource | Purpose | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| CERT NZ | Report cyber incidents | cert.govt.nz/report |
| Netsafe | Scam advice and support | netsafe.org.nz |
| NZ Police | Report financial crime | police.govt.nz or call 105 |
Questions?
If you're unsure whether a pop-up was genuine or you want us to check your computer, submit a ticket at https://help.lanclub.nz, email help@lanclub.nz, or call us on +64 22 573 3469. It's always better to check.