Pamela's Wake-Up Call: The Pop-Up Scam That Nearly Fooled Her

• tech-support-scams
• online-security
• phishing-protection

A real-life phishing scam nearly tricked Pamela—here’s what happened and how you can protect yourself from pop-up and tech support scams.

Scams Are Getting Smarter—And More Personal

Have you ever received a sudden pop-up or an unexpected voice message claiming your computer is under threat? If so, you’re not alone. Scammers are crafting increasingly realistic and high-pressure schemes to steal your personal information. One such story, shared by a woman named Pamela, offers an eye-opening lesson on how even the savviest among us can get caught off guard.

Pamela’s Story: A Close Call with a Pop-Up Scam

While using Facebook, Pamela’s screen was hijacked by a pop-up warning her that her computer was locked. An automated voice instructed her to call what appeared to be a Microsoft support number. Pamela, thinking she was doing the right thing, made the call.

The man on the other end sounded professional and gave her a name and employee number. He claimed her IP address was being used on inappropriate sites, and that her credit cards had been compromised. To "report it to the FTC," he asked for her full card numbers. Pamela refused.

She was then transferred to another person claiming to be the head of the FTC. That’s when she paused, looked up the name online, and realised that the actual FTC head wouldn’t answer support lines. She ended the call, narrowly avoiding a serious scam.

How Pop-Up Scams Work

• Fake alerts: You see a pop-up or hear a voice claiming your device is compromised.
• Urgent messaging: The scam uses fear—claiming your data is exposed, you’ll be arrested, or your identity is being misused.
• Pressure tactics: You’re asked to call a number and give up personal or financial details quickly.
• False identities: The scammers pretend to be from companies like Microsoft or government bodies like the FTC or ATO.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

• Pop-ups that freeze your screen and demand immediate action
• Calls claiming your computer is infected
• Demands for personal information, like credit card numbers, over the phone
• Being transferred to someone claiming to be from a government agency

What You Should Do

• Never call the number in a pop-up. Close your browser or restart your device.
• Never give out personal information unless you are 100% sure who you're speaking to.
• Use official contact information from a company’s legitimate website if you're unsure.
• Report the scam to Scamwatch and ReportCyber in Australia.

Strengthen Your Online Defences

Use strong, unique passwords for every account. Avoid reusing passwords across platforms. A password manager can help you create and manage complex passwords easily. For example, combine three unrelated words—like TreeMugLadder—and add numbers or symbols for extra security.

Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible to add another layer of protection against scammers.

Conclusion: Stay Calm and Be Sceptical

Pamela’s experience is a sobering reminder that no one is immune to a well-crafted scam. The key takeaway? Stay calm, don’t react in panic, and always verify before acting. A little scepticism could save you from a big mistake.