Scams and Scammers – Web Browsers

by Billy J Long Guidance, PSA Articles

Article (PSA‑0024)

Why Browser Hijacks Are a Problem

When you browse the web, a malicious link, image, or ad can act as a “trigger.” If you click—or even hover over—it, the page can launch a fake virus‑alert dialog, play alarming sounds, and display a phone number that urges you to call right away. The goal is simple: create panic so you’ll act without thinking.

How the Hijack Works (plain language)

  • Click‑bait / pop‑under ads – bright headlines or images that urge you to click.
  • The trigger runs a tiny piece of code that opens a fake scanning window (often looks like a legitimate antivirus).
  • The dialog tells you “your PC is infected” and shows a phone number or a link to “pay to clean it.”

Two Safe Ways to Stop a Browser Hijack

Method 1 – Use Task Manager (recommended for most users)

  1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and choose Task Manager.
  2. In the Processes tab, locate the browser you were using (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.).
  3. Right‑click the browser name and select End task. This closes the browser **and** the fake alert.
  4. Re‑open the same browser. If it asks to “Restore pages,” click No – restoring will bring the fake alert back.

Note: This method does not affect any unsaved documents because only the browser is stopped.

Method 2 – Hard Power‑Off (last resort)

  1. If you can’t reach Task Manager, press and hold the computer’s power button for 4‑6 seconds until it powers off.
  2. Wait a few seconds, then turn the computer back on.
  3. Open your web browser again and decline any “Restore pages” prompt to avoid the fake alert.

Warning: This forces all programs to close abruptly, so any unsaved work in other applications will be lost. Use Method 1 whenever possible.

Quick Checklist to Keep Your Browser Safe

  • ✔️ Never click on pop‑ups or ads that look too “urgent.”
  • ✔️ Close the browser via Task Manager if a fake alert appears.
  • ✔️ Decline “Restore pages” prompts after a crash or forced shutdown.
  • ✔️ Keep your browser and OS updated; patches often block known hijack scripts.
  • ✔️ Consider installing an ad‑blocking extension (uBlock Origin, AdBlock Plus) to reduce malicious ads.
  • ✔️ Run a reputable anti‑malware scan periodically (Microsoft Defender, Malwarebytes, etc.).

What to Do If You Accidentally Call the Scam Number

  • Hang up immediately.
  • Do NOT provide any personal or payment information.
  • If you think you may have given details, contact your bank or credit‑card issuer right away.
  • Monitor your accounts for unfamiliar activity over the next 30 days.

What’s Next?

The next article will cover phone scams – how to recognize them and what to do if you receive a suspicious call.

Need a Hand?

If you’re unsure how to stop a hijack or want a quick security review, call PSA Computer Services at (707) 506‑6802.