Browser Locker Scams
Americans lost $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, according to the FTC.
Quick Answer
Browser locker scams, a form of tech support fraud, use fake on-screen alerts to freeze your web browser and trick you into paying for unnecessary and fraudulent technical help, contributing to the $2.1 billion lost to tech support scams in 2025.
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How It Works
1
A fake, alarming pop-up message suddenly appears, often through malicious advertising (malvertising) on otherwise legitimate websites. This pop-up warns of a critical computer error, virus infection, or illegal activity.
2
The pop-up message freezes or locks the web browser, preventing the user from closing the tab or window. It often uses aggressive tactics like loud audio warnings, flashing lights, or disabling the mouse cursor to create panic.
3
The message demands the user call a toll-free number for immediate technical support, often impersonating major companies like Microsoft, Apple, or Google. The goal is to connect the victim with a fake technician.
4
The scammer on the phone uses high-pressure tactics to convince the victim to grant them remote access to their computer and pay for fraudulent repair services, software, or long-term protection plans.
Red Flags
- An unsolicited pop-up message appears that you cannot close, claiming your computer is infected or locked.
- The warning uses urgent, alarming language and may include a loud audio message or flashing images.
- The pop-up provides a phone number and insists you call immediately for technical support.
- The message appears to be from a well-known tech company like Microsoft or Apple, but the warning is not something they would ever display.
- The person on the phone asks for remote access to your computer.
- You are pressured to pay for services immediately using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
- The pop-up claims your computer has been locked by a law enforcement agency like the FBI for alleged illegal activity.
What to Do If Targeted
- Do not call the phone number provided in the pop-up message.
- Do not click on any links or buttons within the fake warning.
- Use your keyboard to force quit the web browser. On Windows, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager, select your browser, and click 'End Task'. On a Mac, press Option + Command + Esc, select your browser, and click 'Force Quit'.
- When you restart your browser, do not restore the previous session or tabs to avoid reloading the scam page.
- Clear your browser's cache and history to remove any lingering elements of the scam page.
- Run a full scan with legitimate antivirus software to ensure no malware was installed.
How to Report It
- FTC — File a fraud report with the Federal Trade Commission to help them investigate and stop scammers.
- FBI IC3 — Report the incident to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), which collects and analyzes cybercrime data.
- BBB — Report the scam to the Better Business Bureau's Scam Tracker to warn others in your community.
- FCC — File a complaint about phone scams, robocalls, or unwanted calls with the Federal Communications Commission.
- AARP Fraud Helpline — Call 877-908-3360 for free support from trained fraud specialists. Available to anyone, not just AARP members.
Key Statistics
- Tech support scams, which include browser lockers, resulted in over $2.1 billion in losses in 2025. — FBI IC3 2025 Report
- In 2025, individuals over age 60 reported the highest losses to cybercrime, totaling $7.7 billion, with tech support scams being a major contributor. — FBI IC3 2025 Report
- The FTC received fraud reports from 2.6 million consumers in 2024, with imposter scams (including tech support) being the most commonly reported category. — FTC 2025
- Consumers 60 and older were five times more likely to report being a victim of a tech support scam than people ages 18-59. — FTC 2024
- In a study of tech support fraud cases, scammers initiated contact through pop-up alerts on computers in 87.5% of incidents. — AARP/F1000Research 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions
The pop-up itself is generally harmless and is just a scare tactic limited to your browser. However, if you call the number and allow a scammer to remotely access your computer, they can then install actual malware, spyware, or steal your personal and financial information.
Scammers use specific code (like JavaScript) to create loops that prevent the browser tab or window from closing normally. This technique is designed to make you believe your entire computer is locked, creating a sense of panic that pressures you into calling their fake support number.
No, Microsoft, Apple, Google, and other legitimate tech companies will never display unsolicited pop-up warnings that lock your browser and demand you call a phone number. Any error messages from your operating system will not ask you to call a support line or pay for a fix in this manner.
While tech support scams disproportionately affect older adults in terms of financial loss, people of all ages can be victims. The FBI's IC3 report shows that victims aged 30-59 file the most complaints, though those over 60 suffer the highest financial losses. The scam relies on surprise and panic, which can affect anyone.
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