I have a scam message

Do not call the number on the screen and do not follow any instructions from that message. It is a tech support scam.

On the affected computer, use one of these methods to close the fake warning and regain control:

1. Try to close the browser
   • Press Alt + F4 repeatedly to close the browser window.
   • If it is in full-screen mode, press F11 first, then close the tab or window.
2. Use Task Manager
   • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
   • Find your web browser in the list of processes, right-click it, and select End task.
3. If nothing responds
   • Hold down the power button on the PC until it turns off.
   • Wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.

After the computer restarts:

1. Clear the browser cache (to remove any remnants of the scam page):
   • For Edge, follow the steps in the guidance linked in the context for clearing cache.
   • For Chrome or Firefox, use their built‑in “Clear browsing data/Cache” options as described in their help pages.
2. Protect against future scams:
   • Remember: Microsoft error or warning messages never include a phone number and Microsoft does not make unsolicited support calls or emails.
   • If a pop-up or email shows a phone number to call for “Microsoft” or “Windows” support, treat it as a scam and close the browser or delete the message.
   • Consider installing a reputable ad blocker extension (such as uBlock Origin or Adblock Plus from the official browser add-on store) to reduce malicious pop-ups.
   • Keep Windows and browser security features on, and run a full malware scan using Windows Security.
3. Report the scam:
   • Report the incident to Microsoft at https://www.microsoft.com/reportascam.

If there is any concern that personal or financial information was given to the scammers, immediately contact the bank or card provider and explain that a tech support scam was involved.

References:

• Protect yourself from online scams and attacks
• Protect yourself from tech support scams
• Tech support scams
• possible virus, computer locked - Microsoft Q&A
• I WAS HACKED - Microsoft Q&A

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/en-us/windows/protect-yourself-from-tech-support-scams-2ebf91bd-f94c-2a8a-e541-f5c800d18435