A loud alarm, a flashing warning that your computer is infected, a message saying it’s been locked, and a phone number for “Microsoft Support” or “Windows Defender”. It’s frightening – and it’s a scam.
How to recognize it
- It’s a web page, not a real Windows message – it appears while browsing, often full-screen
- It shows a phone number. Microsoft, Apple and real antivirus companies don’t put phone numbers in warnings
- It uses urgency: a countdown, an alarm sound, “do not turn off your computer”
- The person on the phone wants to connect to your computer and then asks for payment, gift cards or bank access
What to do
- Don’t call the number and don’t click anything on the page
- Close the browser. If it won’t close, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and choose Task Manager, or just restart the computer
- When the browser reopens, don’t restore the previous tabs
If you already called or let them in
- Disconnect the computer from the internet (unplug the cable or turn off Wi-Fi)
- If you paid or gave card or bank details, call your bank right away
- Change your email and banking passwords – from a different, safe device
- Have the computer checked: scammers often leave remote-access software behind
- Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
Think someone got into your computer? Call or text 567-376-5863. Our virus & scam cleanup is $99, and we’ll make sure nothing was left behind. See computer repair.
