Windows 10: Computer locked and ask me to call some number for microsoft tech hlep. Is this a scam? I...

Computer locked and ask me to call some number for microsoft tech hlep. Is this a scam? I called the number but then I got suspicious and hang up the phone. Is there anything else I can do?

:)

 

A popup scam locked up my laptop computer.

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That's a fake so-called Tech Support scam alert/warning which you are seeing in your browser.

"Remember that real error messages from Microsoft, or other big tech companies, never include phone numbers for you to call them.

If your screen suddenly fills with scary pop-ups you should immediately close your browser (try pressing ALT+F4 if you can't do it with your mouse). If you can’t close your browser try restarting your computer."

Other methods to get out of such fake Tech Support scam browser warnings are listed here:: Thread "Blocked computer" page 1: _AW_'s reply on January 21, 2023

Suggest reading:

• Protect yourself from online scams and attacks - Microsoft Support
  
• How to spot a tech support scam - Microsoft Support
  
• Protect yourself from tech support scams.
  

To prevent even seeing such fake alerts, use a good content/ad-blocker such as free uBlock Origin.

 

Microsoft scam number?

Scam.

Microsoft and/or their associated companies will never get in touch with you through "popups", phone calls (unless you made arrangements with them), etc.,

And your Computer does not send out reports to anyone saying that it is infected with Malware or that it has problems.

________________________________________

And for you to even see that popup and that popup giving you various phone numbers to ring for assistance means that your computer may already be infected with Malware

"Remove Tech Support Scam pop-up (Call For Support Scam)"

https://malwaretips.com/blogs/remove-tech-support-scam-popups/

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These so-called "Microsoft" Tech Companies either want to sell you worthless software, or gain Remote Access to your Computer to try and steal your Banking and Credit Card details and to also carry out an Indentity Theft on you.

If you have given them Remote Access and if you do Internet Banking, contact your Bank, explain it to them and change Passwords.

If you use your Credit Card online, cancel it and get a new one issued to you.

And the only way that you willl know that you are free of them is to save your Data and do a clean install of your Operating System.

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And Microsoft does not contact you, unless YOU have made prior arrangements with them to do so.

There is a section in the link I am supplying you about this at the end of it

Read this Microsoft Information:

"Avoid tech support phone scams"

Microsoft security help and learning

Do not trust unsolicited calls. Do not provide any personal information.

Here are some of the organizations that cybercriminals claim to be from:

• Windows Helpdesk
  
• Windows Service Center
  
• Microsoft Tech Support
  
• Microsoft Support
  
• Windows Technical Department Support Group
  
• Microsoft Research and Development Team (Microsoft R & D Team)
  

Report phone scams

• Help Microsoft stop cybercriminals by reportinginformation about your phone scam.
  
• In the United States, use the
  FTC Complaint Assistant form.
  
• In Canada, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) can provide support.
  
• In the United Kingdom, you can report
  fraud as well as
  unsolicited calls.
  

Cheers.

 

I got an automated message claiming to be from Microsoft fraud prevention. It said to press 1 if you did not try to change your phone number. The number was 1-888-524-1674. Is this real?

Hi Erik, this is a definitely a tech support scam. Microsoft will never cold call anyone or lock up their computer.



Suggested reading:

• Protect yourself from tech support scams (microsoft.com)
  
• Microsoft-Report a technical support scam