Jeff Carney | Owner & Lead IT Specialist
DarkHorse IT
darkhorseit.com
Ever had a pop-up warning that your computer is infected, urging you to call a number? Or maybe someone claiming to be from Microsoft, Norton, or Google called, saying they detected a problem? Don’t fall for it—these are scams designed to trick you into giving access to your computer or stealing your money.
Legitimate companies like Microsoft or McAfee never call you out of the blue or display phone numbers in pop-ups. If you see a warning message that won’t close, don’t panic—shut down your browser or restart your computer. Never call the number or click suspicious links.
To reduce these scams, use an ad blocker like uBlock Origin, which can help prevent malicious pop-ups from appearing. Also, keep your devices updated with the latest security patches and use reliable antivirus software. Staying informed is key—scammers constantly change their tactics, so knowing what to watch for helps you stay one step ahead.
We discuss cybersecurity tips like these every week during our segment on KFGO. Visit darkhorseit.com and check out our blog for more practical advice on protecting yourself from online scams.