Don’t Fall for It: How to Tell If That Virus Warning Is Fake

Darion Ducharme
May 23
3 min read

You’re scrolling through your favorite website or reading an email when suddenly, a loud pop-up takes over your screen:

“WARNING! Your computer is infected! Click here to fix it now!”

It looks urgent. It feels real. But it’s almost always a fake virus alert.

Teqare helps people of all ages stay safe online. Whether you’re a student, senior, or parent, understanding how these scams work can protect your device and your personal information from real harm.

What Is a Fake Virus Alert?

A fake virus alert is a deceptive message designed to scare you into thinking your device is infected with malware.

The goal? To trick you into:

Downloading actual malware
Buying fake antivirus software
Calling fake “tech support” numbers
Entering personal or payment info into a fraudulent website

These pop-ups often mimic real system warnings and use fear tactics like flashing screens, loud noises, countdown timers, or fake scans to pressure you into acting fast.

How to Spot a Fake Virus Warning

Fake virus alerts may appear convincing, but there are always red flags if you know what to look for. Common signs of a fake virus alert:

It appears in your browser, not your antivirus program or operating system.
Spelling errors and poor grammar are often present in the message.
Urgent language like “Click NOW!” or “Immediate action required!”
Unfamiliar branding or logos that don’t match your antivirus provider.
A phone number to call—real virus alerts never ask you to call anyone.

Real antivirus software will never pop up in your browser or redirect you to another site to “fix” your computer.

What to Do If You See One

If a fake virus alert appears on your screen:

Don’t click anything on the pop-up—not even the “X” to close it.
Close your browser completely using Task Manager (Windows) or Force Quit (Mac).
Clear your browser history and cache to prevent the alert from reappearing.
Run a real antivirus scan using trusted software you already have installed.
Report the site or message if possible, especially if it came via email or SMS.

If you're not sure if it’s real or fake, reach out to someone you trust or contact an organization like Teqare for advice.

How These Scams Target Vulnerable Users

Scammers behind fake virus pop-ups often target:

Seniors who may be less familiar with current scams
Children and students who might click quickly without double-checking
Busy adults who want a fast fix and aren’t expecting a pop-up

That’s why digital safety education is so important. Learning how these scams work helps everyone, from kids to grandparents, pause before clicking and stay in control.

How Teqare Helps You Stay Safe Online

At Teqare, we empower people through:

Hands-on workshops on internet safety and digital hygiene
Guides and resources tailored for all age groups
One-on-one support to help you recognize and respond to threats like fake alerts, phishing, and scams

We make cybersecurity easy to understand, with no tech background required.

Learn to Spot Online Threats Before They Strike

One wrong click can cause serious damage. But knowing what to look for makes all the difference. Teqare is here to help you and your family stay safe, smart, and scam-free.

Disclaimer: At Teqare, we share knowledge to help protect and empower our communities online. The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal or financial advice. Always seek guidance from a trusted professional for your specific situation. We do our best to keep information current and relevant, but digital threats can evolve quickly. Stay alert, stay curious, and reach out if you need support—we’re here to help.

Photo by Lucas Andrade