The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →A virus warning in a web page or browser notification does not prove your device is infected. Some are fake alerts designed to make you call a number, download software, or pay for a bogus fix. Don’t click the warning, call its number, pay, or install anything it offers. First identify whether you’re seeing one alarming page, repeated site notifications, pop-ups and redirects, or broader changes to your browser or device—each calls for a different response.
Identify what kind of alert you’re seeing
- One alarming page or tab: Treat its claim as unverified. Close the tab or browser if you can, then check through trusted browser or security settings—not through the alert.
- Messages appearing when the browser is closed or in the background: These may be notifications from a site you previously allowed. Revoke that site’s notification permission.
- Pop-up windows or redirects while browsing: Review the browser’s pop-up and redirect settings, then block permissions for the site involved.
- Search or home page changes, unfamiliar redirects, or extensions that return: These broader symptoms can point to unwanted software. Check extensions and recently installed apps, and run a security scan you start yourself.
Google warns that some sites make false virus claims to prompt harmful downloads. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also warns about fake pop-ups impersonating technology companies. A message that says “virus” is not a diagnosis.
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Don’t interact with the warning
Do not click its buttons or links, call a displayed number, pay for a proposed fix, or download software it recommends. The FTC’s April 2025 consumer alert says that “security pop-up warnings from real tech companies will never ask you to call a phone number.” If you need technical help, find the company’s contact details on its official website or use the support options in its software—not details supplied by the alert. Read the FTC consumer alert.
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Stop site notifications and pop-ups in Chrome on a computer
Block notifications from the sending site
If the messages are notifications, change that site’s permission to Block. In Chrome, use the site information control beside the address bar and change Notifications to Block. You can also manage site permissions in Chrome settings. Menu labels can vary by version; Google’s current instructions are at Google Web Tools Help: Abusive notifications.
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Review pop-ups and redirects
Open Chrome → Settings → Privacy and security → Site settings → Pop-ups and redirects. Review the default and block any suspicious site that has permission. Chrome blocks pop-ups by default, but a site-specific permission may allow them. Google’s instructions for the current settings are in Block or allow pop-ups in Chrome.
Check for unwanted browser changes
If pop-ups continue along with redirects, an unfamiliar search engine or home page, or extensions that reappear, review your extensions and browser changes. Google recommends checking for unwanted programs before resetting Chrome settings. A reset may require you to turn trusted extensions back on; re-enable only extensions you recognize and trust. Follow Google’s computer guidance at Remove unwanted ads, pop-ups & malware.
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Stop the alerts on Android
Turn off a site’s notifications
In Chrome, visit the site sending the messages, open Page info → Permissions → Notifications, and turn notifications off. Menu names may vary by Android version and device.
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Check apps if pop-ups persist
If pop-ups continue, Google recommends restarting the phone in safe mode and removing recently downloaded apps one at a time. Restart normally after each removal to check whether the problem has stopped. Google also instructs Android users to make sure Play Protect is on. See Google’s Android steps for removing unwanted ads, pop-ups and malware.
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When to investigate a possible infection
One website alert alone is not evidence that malware is installed. Look further if you also have unwanted tabs that persist, unfamiliar redirects, extensions or toolbars that return, a changed search engine or home page, a disabled antivirus tool, or other continuing device problems. Update security software from its official source and run a scan you initiate yourself. For help, use contact information from the company’s official website rather than the pop-up.
Google’s guidance on managing warnings about unsafe sites can help distinguish browser safety warnings from a page’s own claims. Don’t treat a site’s alarm as confirmation of an infection.
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