Computer Is Scammed, What To Do?
Common Malware And Computer Scam - What to Do?
Have you noticed strange pop-ups, unwanted advertisements, browser redirects, or other unusual behaviour on your Windows PC or Mac?
Your computer may be affected by malware, potentially unwanted software, a browser hijacker, or another security threat. However, not every unusual computer problem is caused by a virus.
The symptoms you see can provide useful clues about what is happening.
In this guide, we explain the most common signs of malware, what you can check safely, and when professional malware removal may be needed.
What a Computer Scam Looks Like?
Unexpected pop-ups and advertisements
Unexpected pop-ups and advertisements
Ads or security warnings appear even when you are not visiting a website? This may be caused by unwanted software or browser notifications.
VERY IMPORTANTLY: Please don't be scared by these messages or call the phone numbers they provide. They may be misleading or fraudulent.
Your browser keeps redirecting
Your browser keeps redirecting
Websites opening without your request, or your browser homepage and search engine changing unexpectedly? This may be caused by a suspicious browser extension, unwanted software, or potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).
If these changes keep happening, check your installed browser extensions and recently installed software. Remove anything you do not recognise or no longer need, and run a security scan if necessary.
Unknown programs or extensions appear
Unknown programs or extensions appear
Have you found applications, browser extensions, or other software that you do not remember installing? Check them carefully before removing anything.
Some unfamiliar programs or extensions may be legitimate components of other software. If you are unsure about something, it is better to check what it is before uninstalling or disabling it.
The computer suddenly becomes very slow
The computer suddenly becomes very slow
Malware can consume CPU, memory, storage, or network resources and may cause your computer to become slow or unresponsive.
However, a slow computer does not automatically mean that it has a virus or other malware. Performance problems can also be caused by insufficient memory, a full storage drive, too many background programs, hardware issues, or other software problems.
Antivirus keeps detecting the same threat
Antivirus keeps detecting the same threat
Does the same threat keep returning after restarting your computer or attempting to remove it? This may indicate that another component, service, or unwanted program is reinstalling or restoring the software.
In this situation, simply removing the visible program may not be enough. A thorough security scan and further investigation may be required to identify and remove the underlying cause.
Suspicious security warnings keep appearing
Suspicious security warnings keep appearing
Does a message say that your computer is infected and tell you to call a phone number or install software?
BE CAREFUL: Do not call the phone number or install software as instructed by the warning. The warning itself may be part of a technical-support scam designed to trick you into giving someone remote access to your computer or paying for unnecessary services.
In Australia, some pop-up messages may pretend to be from Microsoft and warn you that your Windows licence is about to expire, or claim that your computer is infected and ask you to contact a support number. Other pop-ups may pretend to be from Telstra and use alarming messages to pressure you into calling them.
VERY IMPORTANT: These are common technical-support scams. Please do not call the phone number, provide any personal information, or install any software by following their instructions.
If you see one of these warnings, close the pop-up and avoid interacting with it. If you are concerned that your computer may be infected, contact us for professional assistance. Our technicians can check your computer, identify the cause of the warning, and safely remove unwanted or malicious software if necessary.
Your browser settings keep changing
Your browser settings keep changing
Have your search settings, homepage, new-tab page, or notification permissions changed without your permission? Unwanted software or browser extensions may be responsible.
Check your browser settings and installed extensions carefully. If you find anything unfamiliar, investigate it before removing or disabling it.
Common Computer Infection Issues
- Malicious software — Viruses, trojans, spyware, ransomware and other types of malware can affect a computer in different ways.
- Malicious websites or downloads — Malware can be delivered through deceptive websites, downloads or files.
- Fake software updates — A fake browser or software update may actually install unwanted software.
- Suspicious email attachments or links — Opening a malicious attachment or following a fraudulent link can lead to a security problem.
- Unwanted browser extensions — Some extensions can change search settings, display advertisements or track browsing.
- Bundled software — Some installers include additional programs that users did not intend to install.
- Outdated software — Security vulnerabilities in operating systems, browsers and applications can increase risk.
- Compromised accounts — Sometimes the problem is not malware on the computer itself, but a compromised email, browser or online account.
What to Do When You Suspect a Infection
The safest approach is not to immediately delete random files or install multiple antivirus programs. First, protect your important data and determine what is actually happening before taking further action.
Virus and malware removal can require professional knowledge and technical skills. If you suspect that your computer has been infected, it is generally safer to disconnect it from the Internet and turn it off to reduce the risk of further damage or data loss. You should then contact a qualified professional to inspect and remove the threat.
However, if you have some cybersecurity knowledge and would like to take the risk and try troubleshooting the problem yourself first, the information below is provided as a reference. Please be aware that attempting to remove malware yourself carries some risk, particularly if you are unsure which files, programs, or system settings are safe to modify.
On Windows
Including Windows 10 and Windows 11, whether running on a Desktop PC, Laptop, All-in-one Computer or Tablet.
Try these steps before considering a major repair:
1. Protect your important data- If you can safely access your files, make sure important documents and photos are backed up.
- If ransomware or suspicious encryption is suspected, disconnect the computer from the network and avoid unnecessary changes.
- Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection.
- Start with a Quick scan and use a Full scan if needed.
- If a threat keeps returning, Microsoft Defender Offline can scan outside the normal Windows environment.
- Review recently installed programs and remove software you can confidently identify as unwanted.
- Check browser extensions and remove ones you do not recognise or need.
- If the same detection or suspicious behaviour returns after restarting, further investigation may be required.
On a Mac
Including recent macOS versions, whether running on a MacBook, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio or other Mac computer.
Try these steps before considering a major repair:
1. Don't assume a Mac cannot get malware- macOS includes built-in security protections, but malicious and unwanted software can still affect a Mac.
- Look for applications you do not recognise or did not intentionally install.
- Be particularly careful with software downloaded from unfamiliar websites.
- Review Safari, Chrome, Firefox or other browser extensions.
- Suspicious browser notifications can sometimes look like genuine antivirus warnings.
- Use a reputable security product when a malware scan is appropriate.
- If you are unsure what should be removed, avoid deleting system files or applications at random.
What to do if my mobile phone is scammed?
Think your mobile phone has been scammed, hacked, or compromised? Stay calm and avoid following any instructions provided by the scammer. Do not provide passwords, verification codes, banking details, or other personal information, and do not install remote-access or other unknown applications at their request.
If you have already provided personal or financial information, contact your bank or financial institution as soon as possible. If you believe your accounts may have been compromised, change your passwords using a trusted device and enable two-factor authentication where available.
If you installed an unfamiliar application, clicked a suspicious link, or gave someone remote access to your phone, disconnect from the Internet if necessary and avoid using the device for sensitive activities until it has been checked.
VERY IMPORTANT: Do not call a phone number displayed in a suspicious pop-up or message just because it claims that your phone is infected or your account is in danger. Scammers often use urgent or frightening messages to pressure people into making payments or giving them access to their devices.
If you are unsure what has happened, contact us for professional assistance. We can help check your phone, identify suspicious applications or settings, and provide guidance on securing your device and accounts.
Common questions
Does a slow computer always mean it has a virus?
Does Windows Defender remove viruses?
Can a Mac get viruses or malware?
Should I install several antivirus programs?
Should I reinstall Windows or macOS to remove malware?
Can you remove malware without deleting my files?
Don't Trust Every "Virus Warning"
Be careful when a website suddenly displays a message such as “Your computer is infected!” and tells you to install software or call a phone number.
Some of these warnings are designed to frighten you into downloading unwanted software or giving someone remote access to your computer.
Do not give an unknown person remote access to your computer or provide passwords, banking information or other sensitive information because of a pop-up warning.
If you are unsure whether a warning is genuine, close the browser and have the computer checked.