How to Stop Fake Virus Pop-Ups and Website Notifications

A Step-by-Step Guide for Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Safari

Why Am I Receiving Fake Virus Alerts?

Have you received a notification claiming your computer has a virus, your antivirus protection has expired, or your personal information is at risk?

These warnings are often fake and do not necessarily mean your computer is infected.

Many malicious websites trick visitors into clicking Allow when asked for permission to send notifications. Once permission is granted, the website can display misleading alerts on your computer, sometimes even when your browser is closed.

These notifications may impersonate Microsoft, Apple, McAfee, Norton, or other trusted companies.

Important: Do not click these alerts, call any phone numbers they display, or download software they recommend.

Fortunately, you can stop these notifications by removing the website's permission.

1. Google Chrome

Step 1: Open Google Chrome.

Step 2: Copy and paste the following address into Chrome's address bar and press Enter:

chrome://settings/content/notifications

Step 3: Scroll to the section labeled Allowed to send notifications.

Step 4: Review the websites listed. Look for unfamiliar websites or suspicious addresses.

Step 5: Click the three dots (⋮) next to any suspicious website and select Block.

Step 6: Repeat for any other unrecognized websites.

Prevent Future Notifications

Under Default behavior, select:

Don't allow sites to send notifications

This prevents websites from requesting notification permission in the future.

2. Microsoft Edge

Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge.

Step 2: Copy and paste the following address into Edge's address bar and press Enter:

edge://settings/content/notifications

If this does not open the notification settings, navigate to Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Site permissions.

Step 3: Review the websites that have permission to send notifications. In newer Edge versions, you may need to open All sites and select the website.

Step 4: For any suspicious or unfamiliar website, change its Notifications permission to Block.

Step 5: Repeat for other suspicious websites.

Prevent Future Notifications

In Edge's notification permissions settings, turn off Ask before sending, if available.

This prevents websites from requesting permission to send notifications.

3. Apple Safari (Mac)

Step 1: Open Safari.

Step 2: From the menu bar at the top of your screen, click Safari → Settings.

Step 3: Select the Websites tab.

Step 4: In the left sidebar, scroll down and select Notifications.

Step 5: Review the list of websites with notification permissions.

Step 6: Change any suspicious or unfamiliar websites from Allow to Deny.

Prevent Future Notifications

At the bottom of the Notifications settings, uncheck:

Allow websites to ask for permission to send notifications

If alerts continue to appear on your Mac, open Apple Menu → System Settings → Notifications, select the website under Application Notifications, and turn off Allow Notifications.

Tips to Avoid Fake Virus Notifications

1. Never click Allow on an unfamiliar website. Most websites do not need notification permissions to function.

2. Watch out for fake verification requests. Some malicious websites display messages such as "Click Allow to prove you are not a robot" or "Click Allow to continue." These are common tricks used to obtain notification permissions.

3. Don't trust unexpected virus warnings. Legitimate antivirus software does not require you to call a random phone number or visit an unfamiliar website to remove a threat.

4. Avoid clicking suspicious notifications. Even clicking a button labeled "Remove Virus" or "Scan Now" could redirect you to a scam website.

5. Only enable notifications when necessary. If you do not specifically need alerts from a website, choose Block or Don't Allow.

6. Keep your browser updated. Browser security updates help protect against malicious websites and other threats.

7. Periodically review notification permissions. Remove or block permissions for websites you no longer recognize or use.

What If the Notifications Continue?

If you still receive suspicious notifications after completing these steps:

• Check notification permissions in any other browsers installed on your computer.

• Restart your browser and computer.

• Review installed browser extensions and remove any unfamiliar or suspicious extensions.

• Run a security scan using your computer's legitimate, installed antivirus software.

• Contact Miller Tech if you need assistance.

Remember: A website displaying a fake virus warning does not automatically mean your computer has a virus. In many cases, the website simply received permission to send notifications, and blocking that permission resolves the problem.

When in doubt, choose Block instead of Allow.