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i just received a message on my MacBook Air that I have spyware on the computer

I just received a pop-up that said my MacBook air was infected with spyware and to call a number 1-833-251-****. I did not call this number and I shut down my computer. Is this for real or just more spyware and what should I do about it if anything.


[Edited by Moderator]

Posted on May 24, 2021 2:19 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 24, 2021 2:44 PM

Above is correct.


More info on common scams—of which you just encountered one—at the following two blue-text links:


Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support

Scam Pop-ups, Scam Viruses, Scam Receipts… - Apple Community


If a website could scan your Mac for malware, they wouldn’t bother. They’d just upload all your data, passwords and the rest. The advertisers can’t, so they use words that cause a strong reaction, words such as “hacker”, or “virus”, or whatever hooks the readers’ attention.

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 24, 2021 2:44 PM in response to Cjay1717

Above is correct.


More info on common scams—of which you just encountered one—at the following two blue-text links:


Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support

Scam Pop-ups, Scam Viruses, Scam Receipts… - Apple Community


If a website could scan your Mac for malware, they wouldn’t bother. They’d just upload all your data, passwords and the rest. The advertisers can’t, so they use words that cause a strong reaction, words such as “hacker”, or “virus”, or whatever hooks the readers’ attention.

i just received a message on my MacBook Air that I have spyware on the computer

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