- A
Call the number to see if it's legitimate.
Why wrong: Calling the number would engage with the scammers, potentially leading to further compromise. The user should never call the number.
- B
Ignore the pop-up and continue working.
Why wrong: Ignoring the pop-up might be okay, but it's better to take proactive steps like running a scan to ensure the system is clean. The pop-up could be a sign of adware.
- C
Close the pop-up and run a full antivirus scan.
The safest action is to close the pop-up (using Task Manager if necessary) and run a security scan to check for any malware that may have been downloaded.
- D
Reboot the computer immediately.
Why wrong: Rebooting might temporarily remove the pop-up, but it doesn't address potential underlying malware. A scan is a better first step.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to close the pop-up and run a full antivirus scan. This is the proper response because the pop-up is a classic tech support scam pop-up, a form of social engineering that uses scare tactics—like a fake virus warning—to trick users into calling a fraudulent toll-free number. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of social engineering attacks and the appropriate remediation steps under domain 2.0 (Security). A common trap is thinking the user should call the number to verify the issue, but that would engage the scammer; instead, the technician must advise closing the pop-up immediately and running a scan to check for any malware that may have been installed. Remember the memory tip: “Scam the scam—close and scan.”
220-1202 Social Engineering Attacks Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of social engineering attacks. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A user calls the help desk because they received a pop-up on their screen claiming their computer is infected with a virus and to call a toll-free number for immediate support. The user did not call the number. What should the technician advise the user to do?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Close the pop-up and run a full antivirus scan.
This is a tech support scam, a form of social engineering that uses scare tactics (fake virus warnings) to trick users into calling a fake support line. The user should close the pop-up and run a security scan to ensure no malware was installed.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Call the number to see if it's legitimate.
Why it's wrong here
Calling the number would engage with the scammers, potentially leading to further compromise. The user should never call the number.
- ✗
Ignore the pop-up and continue working.
Why it's wrong here
Ignoring the pop-up might be okay, but it's better to take proactive steps like running a scan to ensure the system is clean. The pop-up could be a sign of adware.
- ✓
Close the pop-up and run a full antivirus scan.
Why this is correct
The safest action is to close the pop-up (using Task Manager if necessary) and run a security scan to check for any malware that may have been downloaded.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Reboot the computer immediately.
Why it's wrong here
Rebooting might temporarily remove the pop-up, but it doesn't address potential underlying malware. A scan is a better first step.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1202 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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Social Engineering Attacks — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Social Engineering Attacks — This question tests Social Engineering Attacks — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Close the pop-up and run a full antivirus scan. — This is a tech support scam, a form of social engineering that uses scare tactics (fake virus warnings) to trick users into calling a fake support line. The user should close the pop-up and run a security scan to ensure no malware was installed.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on 220-1202
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A technician is helping a customer configure a new laptop. The customer mentions they received a pop-up on their old computer warning of a virus and a phone number to call for support. The customer called the number and gave remote access to a 'technician' who then installed several programs. What social engineering attack occurred?
medium- A.Shoulder surfing
- B.Phishing
- ✓ C.Tech support scam
- D.Dumpster diving
Why C: This is a classic tech support scam, a form of social engineering where attackers use fake virus warnings to gain remote access. The pop-up is designed to scare the user into calling a fraudulent support number. Once access is granted, the attacker can install malware or steal data.
Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
This 220-1202 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1202 exam.
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