This is scareware — a scam designed to make you believe your computer has been compromised. The goal is to pressure you into calling a fake tech support number where scammers will try to access your computer, steal personal information or charge you for fixing a problem that never existed.

Microsoft is now taking direct aim at these scams with a new Scareware Blocker for its Edge browser. This feature powered by artificial intelligence, currently in preview mode, detects scareware tactics and stops them in their tracks. If a scam tries to hijack your screen, Edge will automatically exit full-screen mode, mute any alarming sounds and display a warning to put you back in control.

To activate Scareware Blocker, open Edge, go to “Settings,” then “Privacy, Search, and Services” and turn it on. If you don’t see the option, updating your browser to the latest version and restarting it may help. The blocker works alongside Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, which already prevents access to known scam sites. But scareware is sneaky — it often moves to a new web address before it can be blacklisted. That’s why Microsoft trained this tool using machine learning to recognize scareware tactics even when the scam is brand new.

Unlike traditional malware, scareware doesn’t install anything harmful on your computer. Instead, it manipulates you into thinking you need to take immediate action. The scam plays on fear, using high-pressure tactics to get you to make a snap decision. Scammers know that a flashing screen and loud warnings can rattle even cautious users. Once you’re on the phone, they sound convincing, posing as Microsoft, Apple or your internet provider.

These scams are effective enough that the FBI estimates Americans lose over a billion dollars per year to tech support fraud. And while anyone can fall for it, older adults are especially targeted. The signs of scareware are easy to spot when you know what to look for. A sudden full-screen pop-up that won’t close normally is a major red flag. Messages that claim your computer has been infected with a virus or spyware should be met with skepticism, especially if they demand immediate action. Fake support numbers urging you to call for help are another giveaway. Some sites add to the urgency with sirens, flashing lights or countdown timers, pushing you to act before thinking. Others try to appear legitimate by falsely claiming to be from Microsoft, Apple or your internet provider, even though those companies don’t operate this way.

If you encounter a scareware page, the first step is to stay calm. Pressing and holding the Esc key will exit full-screen mode in most cases. If that doesn’t work, closing your browser using Task Manager on Windows or Force Quit on a Mac is a safe way to regain control. Never call the number on the screen. If you think something might be wrong with your computer, check your security settings or reach out to a trusted professional.

Microsoft’s Scareware Blocker takes a proactive approach. Instead of relying on lists of known scam websites, it recognizes scam tactics as they happen. When triggered, it forces the browser out of full-screen mode, stops any audio or visual panic tactics and displays a warning message. It also gives users the option to report the scam to Microsoft, helping to improve detection for others. The blocker runs locally on your computer, meaning it doesn’t save or send images to the cloud. If it ever misidentifies a legitimate site, users can report that too, allowing Microsoft to fine-tune the system.

Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox offer solid security features, but neither has a dedicated scareware blocker like Edge. While both browsers do a good job protecting users from many online threats, Microsoft’s new tool is the first to directly target scareware as it happens, making Edge the better choice for users concerned about this type of scam.

Scareware is one of the more aggressive forms of online deception, but Microsoft’s new tool can help you avoid the trap. If you use Edge, enabling the Scareware Blocker is an easy way to add an extra layer of protection. And even if you don’t, knowing how these scams work can keep you and your personal information safer.

Leslie Meredith has been writing about technology for more than a decade. Have a question? Email Leslie at asklesliemeredith@gmail.com.