Pop-up ads or a fake virus warning?

A screen says your computer is infected and to call a number right now? Don't call it. That screen is the scam. Close the browser, and if it won't close, restart the computer. Then work through the steps below. PJ, a local in Solana Beach, can sit down with you or a parent in Solana Beach, Del Mar, Cardiff and Encinitas and clean it up.

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• Real warnings don't have phone numbers. Microsoft says its error and warning messages never include phone numbers, and that it doesn't make unsolicited calls to fix your computer.
• The trick: scammers put the browser in full screen with pop-ups that won't go away, so it looks locked, to scare you into calling. On the call they ask to install a remote-access app, then charge a fee or a subscription for fake repairs.
• Apple says the same: misleading pop-ups and ads that claim your device has a security problem are a scam, and Apple never asks for your password, device passcode or two-factor code.

Sources: Microsoft, tech support scams · Apple, recognize and avoid scams.

1. Disconnect the computer from the internet (turn off Wi-Fi or unplug the cable).
2. Call your bank or card company if you paid or gave a card number, and ask them to stop the charge.
3. Change your passwords from a different device, starting with email and banking.
4. Have the remote-access app removed and the computer checked before you use it for banking again.
5. Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Who to call for each kind of scam against an older parent is here.

Google says Chrome checks every time it starts whether an unwanted program changed your settings, and puts the important ones back. If ads, pop-ups or a new start page keep coming, Google's steps to reset Chrome's settings and remove unwanted programs are here: remove unwanted ads, pop-ups and malware.

• In Chrome: open Chrome, tap More, then Settings, then Site settings, then Pop-ups and redirects, and turn it off. (Google's steps)
• Scan the apps: open the Play Store, tap your profile icon, then Play Protect, then Settings, and turn on Scan apps with Play Protect. Google says it checks your device for harmful apps, including ones from outside the Play Store. (Google Play Protect)
• Ads over everything, even the home screen? It's usually an app installed recently. That's the one to remove.

The San Diego County Library runs free one-on-one tech help sessions at the Solana Beach and Encinitas branches: this week's sessions.

Want a person at the table? PJ comes over, closes the scam screen, checks for remote-access apps, resets the browser, turns on the protections above and shows you what a real warning looks like. Family Assist, $30 an hour. He never installs remote-access tools.

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More: set up an iPhone for a parent · is my phone still getting security updates? · tech help at home.

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This page is built every morning from public data by SideGuy, run by PJ, a local in Solana Beach. If something looks off, or you want a hand with your plans, text PJ at 858-461-8054. A real person answers.

Local help, free to read: make your fix plan · senior benefits checkup · lower your SDG&E bill · Medicare Extra Help · every 2027 Medicare plan · is my medication recalled? · the next 90 days. Plans start as low as $25. Your parent lives here and you don't? The Parent Check-In Plan, $25 a month.