Computer Breached?

The pop-up that instructed calling a customer service number is a known type of tech support scam and not a genuine Microsoft message.

Key points based on Microsoft guidance:

• Genuine Microsoft error or warning messages never include a phone number to call.
• Microsoft does not make unsolicited phone calls or send unsolicited messages to provide technical support or to tell that a device has a problem.
• Pop-ups that lock the browser, show alarming messages, and provide a phone number are typical scam tactics. They are designed to scare into calling so scammers can request remote access, personal data, or payment.

What to do next:

1. Close the pop-up/browser
   • If it appears again, close the browser window or tab.
   • If the browser will not close, press Ctrl+Alt+Del, open Task Manager, and end the browser task.
   • If that fails, restart the computer.
2. Do not call the number or share information
   • Do not call any phone number shown in such pop-ups.
   • Do not provide personal, financial, or sign-in information to anyone who contacted through this pop-up.
3. If no access or software was granted
   • If no number was called, no remote access was allowed, and no software was installed, the computer is generally not compromised; the pop-up is just a malicious or misleading web page.
4. If the number was called or access was granted
   • Follow Microsoft’s guidance in Protect yourself from tech support scams for steps such as disconnecting remote access, changing passwords, and checking for unwanted software.
5. Report the scam
   • Report the incident to Microsoft using the technical support scam reporting form at https://microsoft.com/reportascam so it can help stop similar scams.

For ongoing protection, ensure Windows and security software are up to date and download software only from trusted sources such as Microsoft Store or official partner sites.

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References:

• Avoid and report Microsoft technical support scams
• Protect yourself from online scams and attacks
• Protect yourself from tech support scams
• What's new in Windows Security
• Tech support scams
• Microsoft resources and guidance for removal of malware and viruses
• Microsoft Defender Scam or Do I have a virus on my computer - Microsoft Q&A
• How do I report a possible scam from Microsoft? - Microsoft Q&A
• Windows defender scam - Microsoft Q&A
• Who do I call for support? - Microsoft Q&A

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