Q: When I opened Safari this morning, this window popped up "http://www.mac-securities.com Security Error. Call helpline  1-844-743-5318." a voice even warned that a phishiping website maybe  coming" Is this a scam?

Yes. Choose Force Quit from the Apple menu, close Safari, and then launch it with the Shift key held down. If that doesn't work, temporarily disconnect the computer from the Internet and/or click here and run Adware Medic. You may need to download it from a different web browser.

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I got this too, and it wasn't any kind of nefarious-sounding link, either, so for anyone reading this: it can happen on stuff that looks innocent!

When the phone # message popped up, I quickly did force-quit Safari. I did not call the number. Restarted (all seemed well, no message, not frozen, etc.) THEN read to restart w/ shift key, so quit again and restarted w/ shift key.

So my question is this:

Is my computer ok? I checked in sys prefs, and my firewall is ON. I don't know what else to look for. I have bills to pay, but now am worried about whether there is malware already on the computer. How do I check this?

Thanks so much, hoping someone can clarify.

There probably isn't any malware on the computer, but you should keep an eye out for general odd behavior, including seemingly-inexplicable slowness.

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If I called the number did I totally screw something up?

Not by itself, but if you gave them any personal information or access to your computer, you may have.

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OK I didn't talk with anyone or give any personal information out so hopefully I'm ok to do my online banking?

Yes.

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I'm sorry Niel, I didn't get anything from your response to Ebustamante. Do you have anything any more specific?

As long as you don't give out any personal information or allow them access to your computer, you should be okay.

I got this same thing on my iPhone. What should I do for that?

Click here and follow the instructions in the first paragraph of the last section.

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