how to fix wire tapping pop up

Do not click the “wire tapping” warning or visit the website it recommends; close the browser because this is characteristic of a tech-support scam, not a genuine Microsoft security alert.^1^

Remove the pop-up

1. Try Alt + F4 to close the browser.
2. If it will not close:
   • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
   • Select your browser under Processes.
   • Choose End task. These are Microsoft’s documented steps for an unresponsive Edge pop-up.^2^
3. Reopen the browser, but do not restore the suspicious tab if prompted.

Do not call any displayed number, download its “fix,” provide payment, or allow remote access. Genuine Microsoft warnings never include telephone numbers.^1^

Stop it from returning

If the warning appears in the lower-right corner of Windows—even when the browser is closed—it is probably a website notification.

Microsoft Edge:

1. Open Settings and more (…) → Settings.
2. Select Privacy, search, and services → Site permissions → All sites.
3. Open any unfamiliar site, locate Notifications, and select Block.^3^
4. Go to Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Pop-ups and redirects and ensure Block (recommended) is enabled.
5. Open Extensions → Manage extensions and remove unfamiliar extensions. If none is obviously suspicious, disable all extensions, test browsing, and then re-enable them individually to identify the source.^4^

Google Chrome:

1. Open ⋮ → Settings → Privacy and security → Site settings.
2. Review Recent activity or View permissions and data stored across sites; clear data or reset permissions for suspicious sites.
3. Open Pop-ups and redirects and select Don’t allow sites to send pop-ups or use redirects.
4. Open ⋮ → Extensions → Manage extensions and remove anything unfamiliar.^5^

Clear the browser’s cookies and cached files afterward. This may sign you out of websites, so ensure that you know any required passwords first.

Scan Windows

Unexpected pop-ups and browser redirects can also indicate malware, so run both scans:

1. Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Scan options.
2. Select Full scan → Scan now.
3. After it completes, save open work and return to Scan options.
4. Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) → Scan now. The computer will restart and scan outside Windows, making persistent malware harder to hide. Results appear under Windows Security → Protection history.^6^

If information or access was provided

If you entered a password, payment information, installed software, or allowed remote access:

• Uninstall software the pop-up instructed you to install.
• Change affected passwords from a different trusted device.
• Contact the bank or card provider immediately if payment details were disclosed.
• If someone had remote control and the warnings continue, consider resetting Windows only as a last resort. Back up important files and recovery keys first: reset choices can remove applications and settings, while “remove everything” can erase personal data. Review Microsoft’s recovery guidance or obtain trusted technical assistance before proceeding.^1^

If the issue remains, note whether it appears inside a browser tab or as a lower-right Windows notification, plus which browser and Windows version you use; the next steps differ between those cases.

References

1. Protect yourself from tech support scams | Microsoft Support
2. How to close a pop-up window if Microsoft Edge isn't responding | Microsoft Support
3. Manage website notifications in Microsoft Edge | Microsoft Support
4. Use a screen reader to block pop-ups in Microsoft Edge | Microsoft Support
5. How to i get rid of a window scam screen that keeps popping up? - Microsoft Q&A
6. Virus and Threat Protection in the Windows Security App | Microsoft Support