Can You Outsmart This Sneaky Online Trick: The Fake "Frozen Computer" Scam

July 19, 2025

Have you ever seen a website take over the entire screen to look like a frozen computer or urgent warning.

It’s called fullscreen mode, and while it’s usually harmless (like when watching a video), scammers use it to create fake error messages, scare you (or your parents) into calling a fake support number, or giving away sensitive info.

Here’s what to watch for—and how to help your parents stay scam-free.

The Scam: “Your Computer Is Infected!”

A scam website can force fullscreen mode and display what looks like:

• A Windows or Apple alert screen
• A fake virus scan or “critical error”
• A message that says “Do not shut down your computer—call this number immediately”
• You lose access to your normal navigation options, so you are trapped in the "frozen" screen.

But here’s the truth: the computer isn’t frozen. It’s just a website pretending to be the system. The fullscreen mode hides the browser bar and taskbar, making it look official like the entire computer—but it’s just a webpage.

Why It Works on Older Adults

Scammers rely on confusion and panic. If your mom or dad sees a fullscreen red warning that says "You have 39 viruses! Call now!", they might actually believe it. They might:

• Call the number and talk to a fake “tech support” agent
• Let someone remote into their computer
• Pay hundreds of dollars to fix a problem that doesn’t exist

How You Can Help

1. Have the conversation
   Sit down with your parents and explain how some websites can fake a frozen screen or warning message. Let them know that real computer problems don’t start with random popups.
2. Teach the escape key
   Show them how pressing the Esc key will often exit fullscreen mode—and that doing so is safe. Don't let a scammer be the person to teach your parents tech-techniques!
3. Add a browser extension or blocker
   Tools like Adblock or other scam blockers can prevent many of these sites from loading.
4. Set up a "Call Me First" rule
   If anything weird pops up on their screen, they should call you, a trusted technical friend, not a number on the screen.
5. Reinforce the golden rule
   Never give remote access to anyone you can't trust with your bank passwords.

Bottom Line

The fullscreen fake-freeze trick is sneaky—but not unbeatable. A little awareness can go a long way in keeping the people we love safe. Could you escape? (or esc?)