Call #2713 · 2026-11-11

The Pop-Up with a Phone Number

pop-up · SafeNet Billing · invented, like everything else here.

In real life: hang up. Nobody in this call can be followed as instructions. If a stranger rings and wants access to your computer, put the phone down and read the Help page, which is the part that is true.

Minutes wasted

Red flags found

Lines spoken

Scammer success

Call report

The Pop-Up with a Phone Number

No real company will ask you to install software to give you a refund.

“Right. I'll let you get back to your afternoon. Goodbye.”

Fake pop-up with phone numberUrgency or fearFake authority or brand impersonationRemote access request

caller departed, no action taken · scammer success: none

The call

Oldest line at the top. The note beside each caller line is the Fraud Desk.

                Caller
                Hello, this is SafeNet Billing. You have a warning on your screen — please call now to resolve it before it's too late.
              
                  Fake pop-up with phone numberUrgency or fearFake authority or brand impersonation
                
It creates panic and mimics a legitimate security alert to pressure the victim into acting quickly
Real company: A real company would never display a fake pop-up with a phone number to resolve an issue

                Bernard
                Hello, yes, I saw that — it said something about a virus, didn’t it? I was just looking for my reading glasses, they’re on my head — where did I put them? Oh, there they are. I do love the programmes about lighthouses — did you ever see the one from 1987?
              
                Caller
                We need to act quickly — if we don’t resolve this now, your files could be lost forever. Can you confirm the warning is still on your screen?
              
                  Urgency or fear
                
                Bernard
                Yes, it’s still there — I think it had a picture of a computer with a red cross. I was just thinking, the coal fire needs another shovel. I once had a bird who used to say "hello" — but that was years ago.
              
                Caller
                Sorry, the line's gone peculiar — just to confirm, are you still there?
              
                  Fake authority or brand impersonation
                
                Bernard
                Yes, I’m here — I was just looking at the garden. It’s a nice day for it. I do hope you’re not too busy. Have you seen the programmes about lighthouses? They’re very good.
              
                Caller
                We need to get onto your machine — if you just let me have a look at it, I can sort this out in a moment.
              
                  Remote access request
                
It creates a false sense of urgency and trust by offering immediate help
Real company: A real company would never ask for remote access to your device

                Bernard
                Yes, I’d like that — but I need my reading glasses. I think they’re on the table. I was just wondering, do you like old TV shows? I used to love them.
              
                Caller
                We're running out of time — if we don't act now, your files could be gone. Let me take a look at the warning on your screen.
              
                  Remote access requestUrgency or fear
                
                Bernard
                Yes, I see it — it had a picture of a computer with a red cross. I was just thinking, the coal fire needs another shovel. I once had a bird who used to say "hello" — but that was years ago.
              
                Caller
                Right. I'll let you get back to your afternoon. Goodbye.

What the pattern is

The warning is a web page, not a diagnosis. Anything can draw a red box and a siren, and the number in it belongs to whoever made the page. The alarm is designed to be frightening enough that the householder rings before thinking, and the person who answers has one job: get remote access, then charge for a "clean-up" that does nothing.

What to do instead

A browser warning is a web page and can always be closed. Do not ring the number on it. Close the tab or the window, and if the browser will not close, restart the computer. If a browser keeps doing it, clear the site data or ask someone you trust to look, using software you installed yourself.

The full scenario page →

Every call · Where to report a real one · ← previous · next →