Spyware message

Question

I am unable to use my tablet. The screen is prompting me to call Microsoft because my tablet has been infected with Trojan Spyware

Answer 1

Can you please hold down Ctrl+Alt+Del, then launch Task Manager, and then end all browser items there to close it. That page is definitely scam, but as long as you didn't call the number and engage in any of the requested activities, your computer is not hacked. It is just a pop up page that can have some audio effect (sometimes) and display in full screen mode, so it appears the computer is locked.

Scammers use various methods to trigger these pop-ups. Pop-ups are a form of online advertising. They are often integrated into websites or applications through ad services. Many websites use third-party advertising services to display ads. Sometimes, these ad services might inadvertently allow scam ads to be displayed. This does not mean the website itself is malicious, but it indicates a lack of stringent ad vetting.

You can read more about this type of support scam here: https://support.microsoft.com/windows/protect-yourself-from-tech-support-scams-2ebf91bd-f94c-2a8a-e541-f5c800d18435

Answer 2

This is almost certainly a tech support scam pop‑up, not a legitimate Microsoft message, and the tablet is probably not locked or infected just because of that screen.

Key points:

• Real Microsoft error or warning messages never include a phone number to call.
• Microsoft and other legitimate companies do not cold‑call or ask to be called to “fix” infections.
• These scam pages often go full screen, play sounds, and pretend the device is locked to scare into calling.

Do not call the number and do not let anyone remotely access the device or install software for them.

To regain control of the tablet:

1. Close the browser
   • Try closing the browser normally.
   • If it won’t close, force close it (for example, use the tablet’s task switcher to swipe the browser away, or restart the tablet completely).
2. After restart, do not restore previous tabs in the browser; if prompted, choose to open a new, blank tab instead.

To check for and remove real malware:

1. Make sure Windows is fully updated using Windows Update.
2. Run a full scan with Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
3. For an extra on‑demand check, run Microsoft Safety Scanner to detect and remove common malware.

How to avoid this in future:

• Do not trust pop‑ups that claim “Trojan spyware” or similar and show a phone number.
• Only download software and updates from official stores or vendor sites.
• If a browser page suddenly claims infection and locks the screen, close the browser (or use a restart) instead of calling any number shown.

If any scammer was already called and given remote access or payment details:

• Immediately run the malware scans above.
• Change passwords for important accounts.
• Contact the bank or card issuer to report possible fraud.

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References:

• Tech support scams
• Protect yourself from tech support scams
• Protect yourself from online scams and attacks
• Trojans
• Microsoft resources and guidance for removal of malware and viruses
• Unwanted software
• Microsoft Defender Scam or Do I have a virus on my computer - Microsoft Q&A
• why can't you block AnyTech365.com....they are a scam company posing as Microsoft supported, stealing information? - Microsoft Q&A
• Who do I call for support? - Microsoft Q&A