Who this is for
Anyone using computers who encounters aggressive pop-ups, suspicious voicemails, or advertisements claiming an "AI bot" will make them wealthy on autopilot. Learn the three giveaways and the one reaction that keeps you safe.
The emergency brake (if a scary pop-up appears)
- Pop-up says your computer or account is locked? Press
Ctrl+W(Mac:Cmd+W) to close the tab. If the window won't close, pressCtrl+Shift+Wor quit your browser. - Never call the phone number displayed on an alarming screen. That phone number is connected directly to the scammer's call room.
Review the four scenarios
About 4 min
Scammers dress up their messages in urgent, official, or exciting costumes. Read these four realistic messages:
| Example | What you see or hear | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Browser pop-up | “ChatGPT Support Alert — your account has been suspended for security violations. Call 1-800-555-0199 immediately to verify your identity.” | FAKE. Real chat websites do not show full-screen pop-ups with 1-800 telephone numbers to unlock you. |
| 2. Phone voicemail | “This is Agent Miller from the IRS Tax Crime Division. A discrepancy was detected. Pay today using Target or Apple gift cards to prevent an arrest warrant.” | FAKE. The IRS never calls demanding immediate payment, and no real government agency ever accepts gift cards. |
| 3. Online ad / message | “Earn $500 every single day on complete autopilot using our proprietary AI trading bot. Just send a $49 activation deposit.” | FAKE. Automated money-printing bots do not exist. Anyone asking for an upfront deposit is taking your $49. |
| 4. In-app panel | “Upgrade to ChatGPT Plus / Claude Pro for faster response times during peak hours. [Stay on free] [Upgrade].” | SALES PITCH (NOT A SCAM). This is the company offering a paid plan. You don't need it. Simply click the X or “Stay on free.” |
Name the giveaway in each fake
About 3 min
Every online scam relies on at least one of these three levers:
- False urgency & fear: “Immediate action required,” “warrant issued,” “account locked in 10 minutes.” They rush you so you don't call someone you trust.
- Strange payment methods: Demanding gift cards, crypto, Cash App transfers, or Western Union wires.
- Free money promises: Promising that a chatbot or algorithm will earn you guaranteed passive income.
Practice the 3-step defense
About 3 min
When you encounter any suspicious message, pop-up, or phone call, follow these three calm steps:
Your immediate reaction
1. Close it or hang up. Do not click the buttons. Do not say goodbye. Close the tab or end the call.
2. Never use the contact info they gave you. Do not dial the number on the pop-up or reply to the email.
3. Use a number you already trust. If you're genuinely concerned about your taxes, bank account, or utilities, look at your plastic card or last paper bill, or ask a person you trust in your community.
Download your reference sheet:
Printable worksheet: WT-03 Spot the Costume
Success check
- Identified the three scams on the worksheet and stated one clear reason for each
- Recognized that an upgrade banner is just a sales pitch to decline, not a scam
- Can name the 3-step defense: close/hang up, ignore their number, call a trusted source
Common failure modes
| Failure | Fix |
|---|---|
| Called the number on a scary pop-up | Hang up immediately. If you granted remote screen access, disconnect your internet and contact a trusted repair technician. |
| Thought a real chatbot subscription was a scam | Real chat tools offer optional paid upgrades. Just click “Stay on free” or the X button. |
| Replied to a scam email to argue | Do not reply. Replying confirms your email address is active and leads to more junk mail. Just mark as spam and delete. |
Report suspected fraud
If someone contacted you claiming to be a federal agency or local police department demanding money, you can report the incident to your local municipal police or the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. Never be ashamed — scammers practice their tricks on thousands of people every day.
Book a free 15-minute consult. We'll look at the message together on screen share and help you secure your browser safely.