# 2.8 million hit in frightening scareware attack that holds your browser hostage — how to stay safe

- Link: https://www.widthness.com/2-8-million-hit-in-frightening-scareware-attack-that-holds-your-browser-hostage-how-to-stay-safe/
- Published: 2026-05-21T09:45:00-05:00
- Author: Curated by Theresa Wysocki

Photo credit: Drobotdean via Magnific. Article by Anthony Spadafora. Tom’s Guide – May 20, 2026. Imagine this: one minute you’re checking your email, and the next, your browser is completely locked. If that wasn’t worrying enough, whenever you click your mouse, a warning sound plays and your current IP address is shown prominently on your screen. No, this isn’t a ransomware attack where you’re locked out of your files by hackers. Instead, it’s a new scareware attack currently making the rounds online where scammers try to trick you into picking up your phone and calling them. […] Click here to view original web page at www.tomsguide.com