Scareware
Scareware uses false or exaggerated security warnings to frighten people into paying, installing software, calling fake support, or granting access.
A frightening warning can be part of the scam
A webpage says your computer is infected. It may use loud audio, a full-screen warning, or a familiar software logo to make the claim feel urgent. Microsoft describes scareware pages that pressure people to call fake support or allow remote access.
The warning itself is not a reliable diagnosis. A browser displaying a site’s message does not mean your operating system or security team produced it. Website notification abuse explains how those messages can appear outside the original tab.
Check the warning through a separate route
Do not call the number in an alarming pop-up or install its proposed fix. Close the page using the browser’s controls and contact your normal IT support route if you need help. The FTC specifically warns against using phone numbers in unexpected security pop-ups.
If you already spoke to someone or granted access, tell the security team what happened. Closing the page does not undo a payment or remove downloaded software, and may not end a remote session.
Scareware describes the frightening story. ClickFix describes a technique that gets someone to run commands, sometimes under a repair pretext. A fake warning can lead to ClickFix or a remote-support scam, but it does not have to involve either. Keep the warning, the requested action, and any completed action separate when reporting it.