How Do I Get Rid of Fake McAfee Virus Pop-Ups?

If you are seeing repeated McAfee virus pop-ups, warnings that your computer is infected, or messages telling you to renew McAfee immediately, do not click them, call the displayed phone number, or enter your payment details. What you’re seeing is a McAfee-branded scam. These are not real McAfee warnings, and they’re not coming from McAfee. They’re fake alerts generated either by malicious websites, unwanted browser notifications, suspicious extensions, or potentially unwanted applications (PUA).

The real McAfee is a legitimate cybersecurity company, but scammers frequently impersonate them in phishing scams and fake browser notifications.

Common McAfee Scams

Fake McAfee Virus Pop-ups: Urgent alerts flashing on your screen saying “Your PC is infected with 5 viruses!” or “Subscription expired!” These are usually sent via browser notification permissions you might have accidentally allowed on sketchy websites.
Fake McAfee Invoice and Renewal Emails: Fake emails claiming you have been charged (or are about to be charged) hundreds of dollars for a subscription renewal. They provide a phone number to call for a “refund.”
Tech Support Scams: Fraudsters call you on the phone pretending to be McAfee support agents. They claim your device is compromised and ask you to install remote-access software or give them control of your computer.

Remove Fake McAfee Virus Pop-Ups

There are several ways to get rid of fake McAfee pop-ups. If the pop-ups continue after completing one of the steps below, proceed to the next one.

Step 1: Run a System Scan with Bitdefender

Before making changes to your system, run a full antivirus scan with Bitdefender to check for malware, adware, and potentially unwanted applications.

If the scan identifies malware, potentially unwanted applications, or other threats, follow Bitdefender’s recommended remediation steps.

Step 2: Uninstall Suspicious Apps

If running a complete system scan does not resolve the issue, potentially unwanted applications may be responsible for displaying fake McAfee alerts. Some potentially unwanted programs are bundled with free downloads or installed without the user’s knowledge.

To remove suspicious programs from your device, follow these steps:

After removing suspicious applications, restart your device and check whether the fake McAfee pop-ups have disappeared.

If the issue persists, proceed to step 3.

Step 3: Restore Your Browser's Homepage, Search Engine and Extensions

Unwanted browser extensions can modify your homepage, change your default search engine, install unwanted add-ons, or redirect your searches to unfamiliar websites. Follow the instructions for your browser to restore your preferred settings and remove any unwanted or suspicious add-ons.

Google Chrome

Mozilla Firefox

Microsoft Edge

Close and reopen your browser. Visit a few trusted websites to check whether the unwanted alerts have stopped, including when the browser is running in the background.

If the McAfee pop-ups continue, continue to step 4.

Step 4: Block Notifications from Unwanted Websites

Fake McAfee pop-ups are frequently caused by malicious websites that have been granted permission to send browser notifications. Removing notification permissions for suspicious websites can resolve the issue.

Windows and macOS

Android

Block notifications from a site on Android

If you clicked a fake McAfee pop-up and entered sensitive information, take additional precautions. Change any exposed passwords from a trusted device, enable multifactor authentication where available, and contact your bank if you shared financial details.

Prevent Fake McAfee Pop-Ups from Resurfacing

After removing fake McAfee alerts, take the following steps to reduce the likelihood of encountering similar threats in the future.

Step 1: Install Adblock Plus

To reduce intrusive advertisements and unwanted pop-ups while browsing, you can install an ad-blocking extension such as Adblock Plus.

Adblock Plus helps block many types of intrusive advertisements, including certain pop-ups and malicious ads. However, it cannot replace antivirus software or guarantee protection against all fake security alerts, malware, or browser notifications.

Step 2: Use Bitdefender Web Sage

For greater control over your browsing security, use Bitdefender Web Sage, an AI-powered browser extension that automatically blocks online threats and explains, in clear, simple language, why a page may be dangerous and what you should do next.

How to install Bitdefender Web Sage

Bitdefender Web Sage blocks malicious push notifications, phishing attempts, dangerous websites, fake online shops, and other online scams. By identifying potentially harmful websites and suspicious online activity, Web Sage can help you avoid threats before they cause problems.

Step 3: Set Up Bitdefender Scam Protection Pro

Another way to improve your online safety is to use Bitdefender Scam Protection Pro.

Developed by Bitdefender, a founding member of the Global Anti-Scam Alliance, Scam Protection Pro brings multiple scam-detection tools together in one place to help you recognize and avoid increasingly sophisticated online scams involving deceptive messages, malicious links, fake websites, and remote-access tools.

How to set up Bitdefender Scam Protection Pro

By keeping your browser clean, removing suspicious software, running regular antivirus scans, and practicing safe browsing habits, you can significantly reduce the chances of encountering fake McAfee virus pop-ups again.

How to Remove Fake McAfee Virus Pop-Ups