Start here
The free tool below runs entirely in this browser — no account, nothing stored or transmitted. Redact anything you would not want kept before you type it.
Open the companion tool →How fake tech support pop-ups trick users
Web browsers can be forced into full-screen mode by malicious ad scripts, making it look like your entire computer is locked by Microsoft or Apple.
Real operating system security programs (like Windows Defender or Apple Gatekeeper) never include a 1-800 toll-free phone number to call for support.
The protocol
- Never call the phone number displayed inside a web browser pop-up window.
- Never grant remote computer access (via AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or GoToMyPC) to anyone who calls or pops up unexpectedly.
- Close the browser using keyboard shortcuts: press Esc, or press Alt+F4 (Windows) / Option+Command+Esc (Mac) to force quit.
- If the screen remains locked, restart the computer using the main physical power button.
What the tool does
Evaluate sudden computer virus warnings and follow safe browser exit protocols without calling fake support numbers.
Limit first: This guide provides safe browser navigation steps. It cannot remove pre-existing malware if executable files were already downloaded.
Open the companion tool →One human next step
If remote access was granted, immediately disconnect the computer from Wi-Fi/Ethernet, call your bank to hold accounts, and contact a local computer repair shop in person.
Research log and safety checks
AI-assist path: diagnostic exit protocol. §0.5a applied: no fear framing used.
§0.5 protection result: category is elder-protection; crisis-adjacent: no; fear/urgency/scarcity toolkit used: no. The protective function is free and the paid feature is convenience only.