Fake virus popups are designed to look terrifying. Loud alarm sounds, flashing red screens, 'Microsoft' logos, warnings that your banking info is being stolen. None of it is real. It is scareware or a browser hijack. The goal is to make you panic and call a fake number where criminals will charge you hundreds of dollars. Do not touch anything on the popup. Call us.
That popup is not from Microsoft, your internet provider, or any legitimate company. It is a criminal operation.
The 1-800 number on your screen connects you to overseas scammers who will charge $200–$500 and sometimes install real malware.
If you already called and they're asking for gift cards or wire transfer — stop immediately and call us.
Canadian-certified technicians kill the scam popup, scan for any real threats, and make sure your computer is genuinely clean.
These are all signs of a fake virus popup scam — not a real infection.
The X button does nothing. Alt+F4 doesn't work.
Your browser is fullscreen and you can't navigate away.
Screen shows Microsoft branding, Windows Defender logo, or a fake blue error screen.
Loud repeating beep or voice saying 'Your computer has been locked'.
A phone number is displayed prominently. Do not call it.
You already called and now they want payment. Stop the call — then call us.
Screen black or red with countdown timer or 'your files are encrypted' message.
Homepage changed, search engine changed, weird toolbars installed — without permission.
Simple as a phone call. You stay in control every step of the way.
Do not click 'Scan Now,' 'Fix Now,' 'Call Now,' or any button. Do not enter any information.
That number connects to criminals in another country who will pretend to fix your computer while actually stealing your information.
Windows: Ctrl+Shift+Esc → Task Manager → End your browser. Mac: Cmd+Opt+Esc → Force Quit. Do not reboot yet.
We answer in under 60 seconds. Tell us what you see. We start removal within minutes.
Kill the scam popup, remove browser hijack, scan for real malware, check passwords, show you how to recognize this next time.
AnyDesk uses 256-bit TLS encryption — same as Canadian banks. You see every action. Disconnect anytime.
| Feature | IT Cares | Geek Squad / HelloTech |
|---|---|---|
| Who They Are | Registered Canadian business since 2014 | Offshore criminal operation |
| Phone Number Source | 1 (888) 711-9428 — publicly listed | Unknown number on a popup |
| Flat Price Upfront | $59 CAD — told before we start | $200–$500+ demanded mid-session |
| Refund Guarantee | Full refund if we can't fix it | No refund — disappears after payment |
| What They Do to Your Computer | Remove threats and harden security | Often install real malware or backdoors |
| Payment Method | Credit card, e-transfer — traceable | Gift cards, wire, crypto — untraceable |
| Bilingual EN / FR | Yes | Heavy accent, scripted responses |
| Verifiable Reviews | 30+ verified 5-star reviews | No verifiable identity |
Pricing and service details from public sources, accurate as of 2026.
According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), tech support scams are consistently one of the top fraud types targeting Canadians — with losses exceeding $50 million annually. Seniors are disproportionately targeted.
Source: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). Report at antifraudcentre.ca or 1-888-495-8501.
5.0 average across 30+ verified reviews
“A terrible alarm sound started and my whole screen turned red saying Microsoft had detected a virus. I nearly called the number on the screen. My neighbour told me to call IT Cares instead. The technician connected remotely and had it removed in 20 minutes. He showed me my computer was never actually infected.”
— Helen Tremblay, 71 — Quebec City, QC
“I am ashamed to admit I did call the scam number first. They charged $299 to my credit card before I got suspicious. IT Cares cleaned up what the scammers had installed and helped me dispute the charge with my bank.”
— Gordon Mackenzie, 68 — Hamilton, ON
“My browser froze with this horrible message saying my banking information was being stolen. I was shaking. IT Cares answered right away, talked me down, and removed it in 25 minutes.”
— Rose Dupont, 74 — Moncton, NB
“Our daughter found IT Cares for us after we called her in a panic. The technician was on with us within 10 minutes and explained everything in plain English — no talking down to us, no rushing. We saved his number for next time.”
— Ted and Barbara Kowalski — Saskatoon, SK
