"Your system is infected with (3) Viruses” when opening a Safari tab

This message came up when I was opening a new window in the Safari browser and makes all sorts of threats if I don’t call Apple Support at 1-866-726-**** and follow Virus removal procedure immediately. I’m always wary of these things and just want to know if anyone else has run across this particular warning.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Mar 20, 2018 9:38 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 20, 2018 9:40 AM

It's phishing.

Avoid phishing emails, fake 'virus' alerts, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support

Force Quit Safari ( command + option + esc keys).Then restart Safari holding the Shift key. If you still have problems Empty Caches (Safari menu > Preferences > Privacy > Remove all website data. (This will also remove history if you do not want to remove History open Safari Preferences > Advanced and check mark “Show Develop Menu” then choose “Empty Caches” from Develop Menu ).

Then go to Safari Preferences > Extensions and check there. If there is an extension delete it.

If the problem persists download and run MalwareBytes. Malwarebytes was developed by one of our own colleagues here in ASC and is about the most proven anti-malware software for Mac.

1,218 replies

Feb 9, 2021 5:25 AM in response to Desiree888

How to get ride of virus

You can't get rid of something that doesn't exist.

If you are having the same problem as noted about a hundred times above, look at one of the many ways to resolve that problem--the answer is on the very first page.

If you are having a different problem, start your own question using the Post > Question popup menu at the top of the page.

Apr 3, 2021 10:17 AM in response to JennHMB

JennHMB wrote:

Just happened on my cell phone while browsing a Mercury news article...I thought this typical thing didn’t happen on iPhones. I already did the recent security update so this surprised me...

It’s an ad. Ads are everywhere.


And more than a few of the ads are from scammers. As are the “you have a virus!” ads.


This regardless of iPhone or Windows or Mac or Linux or whatever you’re using locally to browse the web, too...

May 22, 2021 9:20 AM in response to 100penn

100penn wrote:

I have Notifications in my calendar warning of viruses and to tap on a website to fix the viruses


Per Apple: Delete spam calendars and events on iPhone

If you get unwanted calendar invitations or event notifications, you might have accidentally subscribed to a spam calendar. To remove the events, delete the calendar subscription.


How to remove calendar spam on your iPhone

  1. Open the Calendar app.
  2. At the bottom of the screen, tap Calendars.
  3. Look for a calendar that you don't recognize. Tap the More Info button  next to that calendar, then scroll down and tap Delete Calendar.

If this doesn't fix the issue, delete the calendar subscription in Settings:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap Calendar > Accounts. Or if you use iOS 13, tap Passwords & Accounts > Accounts instead.
  3. Tap Subscribed Calendars.
  4. Look for a calendar that you don't recognize. Tap it, then tap Delete Account.

Learn more


May 26, 2021 8:03 AM in response to samia24

samia24 wrote:

I got the message that my iphone is hacked now I don’t know what to do please tell or do something immediately its urgent


You were served and read an advertisement, an advertisement for a questionable product, an advertisement which claimed to perform something it did not and can not actually do, and an advertisement which used words that trigger strong fears in you as many do; an advertisement which lied to you.


Here? You need do nothing.


Lots of these scams around, too. Click or tap > Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support


Should you want to learn more, see the previous fifty-some pages of replies here.



Sep 20, 2021 8:16 AM in response to Pebbles1977

Pebbles1977 wrote:

[screenshot of advertisement deleted]


An advertisement that’s lying.


An advertisement that is trying to get you to compromise your security and your privacy by installing a sketchy app.


An advertisement that is deliberately using words and phrases that strike deep fear.


An advertisement that is designed and intended to cause you to do something of benefit to the advertiser.


A sketchy app that may well be in the app store, too.


Yes, there are problematic apps in the app store.


Apple is about to release features which eliminate the need for the type of add-on app involved, too.


Learn how we all are being manipulated: Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support


Nov 30, 2022 7:25 AM in response to ray_anAplle

ray_anAplle wrote:

I need help is it bad if i clicked on scan it? And what should i do if its bad? And is it a virus that can hack me or just gelichte out my system? Thankyou MrHoffman

That scan button can't actually do anything except take you to a website that will ask you for information. As long as you haven't provided information or bought anything, you're fine.



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"Your system is infected with (3) Viruses” when opening a Safari tab

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