MS Windows Defender and asks me to call a specific phone # to unlock. Is this valid or scam?

No, 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

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

Thanks.

That is what I thought but figured I would check.

Tried calling MS Customer service but they just direct you to the website which you are not able to use if your computer is locked up.

I take a look at the other suggestions that you made to keep this from happening in the future.

Thanks, again.

This happened to me as well. I was using a youtube downloader website (<removed by Moderator>) and had just pressed download when it popped up, as well as telling me my laptop had been disabled. It looked official and told me to call a toll-free number, 833-743-3632, so I did. The person on the other end gave me his name, Robert, and then asked me for my name and zip code, which I, regrettably, gave, as well as what brand made my laptop. He told me to hold, and then came back saying the exact same thing that initial voice from the pop-ups gave. (About some website using my IP address without my knowledge.) He also told me to press the windows key + r, which would pull up Run. At this point, I became suspicious, so I looked up the potential scam. Turns out it was 100% a scam so I hung up. Immediately after I hung up, they called me back with the number 253-356-8320. I pressed decline. They called me four more times, in quick succession, before I blocked them. After that, I removed all their files <removed by Moderator> from my computer, including the recycle bin. I ran my anti-virus and nothing popped up. Luckily I hadn't entered anything into Run, or no doubt they would have managed to successfully hack me with their fake support. Don't call this number, just shut down your computer, boot it up again, and then delete all of their files as well as running your anti-virus. Don't click on any new notifications that pop up from your website about a potential threat, as that's a scam too. Instead go into your website, and go to settings and block all permissions from those websites.

It just happened to me few minutes ago. And they almost got me. I called the number and spoke to an east indian accent. Line was very static I could hardly understand. He said a hacker was trying to steal my identity. He said he will try to fix the problem. I hanhed up thinking to call same number to get a different person that maybe i can understand better. Got a female but with same east indian accent and static line. She said she will call me in a secure line. My gut already telling me something. She called me and when i picked up it was more clear.

She introduced herself, gave me her tech number. She said there were hackers trying to hack all devices connected to my network. She then started to ask my name and said other informations. While i was talking to her I also turned my laptop off then turned it back on and saw that i was able to access my computer.

I hanged up the call. I new it was BOGUS .

Since then, until now as i am typing this, I am getting suspected spam calls on my phone.

Wow!!!!!

You're welcome. Glad to have helped :)

Here is some more reading material if you feel like it:

1. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/protect-yourself-from-tech-support-scams-2ebf91bd-f94c-2a8a-e541-f5c800d18435
2. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-tech-support-scams