How to stop scam pop-ups on Windows – according to a Which? tech expert

Scam pop-ups are designed to cause panic, using urgent messages, flashing warnings and fake alerts to grab your attention. If you interact with one, you could be tricked into calling a fake support number, downloading malicious software or handing over personal information.

Our Tech Support experts regularly help members who've encountered these scams. By changing a few browser settings and removing notification permissions from suspicious websites, you can reduce the chances of seeing them again.

Below, we explain how to deal with scam pop-ups safely and share other ways to help protect your Windows PC.

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What's the best way to get rid of scam pop-ups? 

'I keep getting pop-ups on my screen claiming to be from McAfee, warning that my PC is at risk and that it's infected with a virus.

'I don't have McAfee installed, so I'm sure it's a scam. But every time I try to close the pop-up, it opens another page on my computer. Could you advise me on how to stop it happening?'

Which? Tech Support member

Protecting your Windows PC

Charlotte Griffiths, Which? Tech Support team manager, says: 'This isn't from McAfee, and we frequently hear from members who have been hit by a scam that puts a pop-up message on their screen. These can be very convincing and usually target Windows users.

'But if you see a pop-up asking you to call a number, even if it looks like it’s from Microsoft, it's a scam.'

Step 1: Use Task Manager to close the pop-up

Some scam pop-ups make it difficult to close the browser tab or window normally. Instead of interacting with the page, it's often safest to force your browser to close using Windows Task Manager.

Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select Task Manager. Find your web browser (such as Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome) in the list of running apps or processes, then select End task.

When you reopen your browser, you may be asked if you'd like to restore your previous tabs. Choose No, otherwise the scam page is likely to reopen.

Step 2: Block pop-ups from appearing again

Many scam pop-ups start after a website is given permission to send notifications. This usually happens when a website asks if you'd like to allow notifications.

If you're unsure why a website wants to send notifications, it's safest to choose Block. You can always enable notifications later if you change your mind.

If you've previously allowed notifications from a suspicious website, you can remove that permission by following the steps below:

• Google Chrome – go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Site settings > Notifications > Don’t allow sites to send notifications.
• Microsoft Edge – go to Settings > Privacy, search and services > Site permissions > All permissions > Notifications > Toggle off Ask before sending.
• Firefox – go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Permissions > Check the box next to Block new requests asking to allow notifications.

You can also stop all browser notifications on your PC. In Windows, go to Settings > System > Notifications. Scroll down to Notifications from apps and other senders and toggle your browser to Off.

On a Mac, open System Settings > Notifications. Scroll down to your browser and toggle Allow Notifications to Off.

Find out the best free antivirus and the best paid-for antivirus for Windows that will keep you safe from viruses, ransomware and phishing attacks.

What about online banking?

'If you use your bank's website, rather than its app, it's good practice to use a separate browser for online banking instead of the one you use for everyday web browsing.

'However, this may be a step too far for some people, and that’s fine. In which case, use our step-by-step instructions to go back to your browser’s Notifications and look for an "Add" button – you can add websites that you want to receive notifications from.

'If you need assistance with this or anything else, remember you can book an appointment to speak to one of our friendly Tech experts – they will be more than happy to help you.'

Charlotte Griffiths, Which? Tech Support team manager

More ways to protect your computer

• Run an antivirus scan – the best antivirus software can help protect against viruses, ransomware and other types of malware.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your online accounts – popular services including Amazon, Gmail, Outlook and PayPal all support the feature. See also: Phone apps you need to secure.
• Keep your web browser up to date – installing the latest version helps protect against security vulnerabilities and ensures you have the newest security features.
• Install Windows updates – security updates fix known vulnerabilities and other bugs, helping to keep your computer protected. In Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security. In Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > Windows Update.

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