Scammers may impersonate well-known technology companies or claim they have discovered viruses, suspicious transactions or urgent account problems. They often ask victims to install remote access software.
What the symptoms can tell you
Be especially cautious of unsolicited calls, browser windows that block the screen, demands for immediate payment, requests for gift cards or cryptocurrency, and instructions to hide what is happening from family or staff.
Practical next steps
- Close the suspicious browser page if possible; do not call the phone number shown in the pop-up.
- Contact your chosen IT provider through a phone number you obtained independently.
- If you already granted access, disconnect from the internet and seek trusted assistance before using sensitive accounts.
- Consider changing passwords from a known-clean device and contacting financial institutions if account information was exposed.
When to involve The Computer Hospital
The Computer Hospital can assess a potentially compromised computer, remove unwanted remote-access tools and help plan appropriate next steps.
See remote computer support and virus and malware removal.
Computer Hospital · Houston since 1986
Need help with this issue?
Bring us the symptoms and the steps already tried. We can discuss an appropriate evaluation and explain your service options before any paid work begins.