Pop-Ups

Websites use pop-ups to advertise their products, collect email subscriptions, and generally annoy users. However, some pop-ups try to scare you into doing something you shouldn’t. These pop-ups will tell you that your computer is infected and prompt you to download software—which is often a virus or malware. These pop-ups may also ask you to call a number to speak with a technician. Never, never click on these or call the number. No legitimate company works this way. If you see a pop-up or a website displaying a message like this, chances are you are either on a dangerous website, or your computer has been infected with a virus or malware that is highjacking your browser.

You can avoid most of these types of ads by staying on well-known sites. If you encounter them, close your browser tab but do not click on the ad or anywhere on the webpage, including the close button on the ad—it may not be an actual close button but rather initiate a malware download.