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New Trojan virus scam?

Anonymous
2024-04-22T15:51:28+00:00

I got an audible message, not a pop up, stating I have a Trojan virus. It instructed me to call Microsoft. It DID NOT provide a phone number. It DID NOT provide a link. I am fully aware of scams that provide a phone number or link. This was not that. Has anyone experienced this?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Security and privacy

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  1. EmilyS726 227.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-04-22T23:10:51+00:00

    The audio could come from an ad embedded in the website, hence it is not a pop up. However, these third party ads can come in all shapes and forms, and the content in these ads as well, so it is possible that they didn't include those numbers or links, but just want to create a reaction, so that when it happens again, if a number is included, customers would call. We would never know the why behind this to be honest.. but what is known for sure is - Microsoft will never ask you to contact them. That gives it away.

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  1. EmilyS726 227.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-04-22T16:25:46+00:00

    Hello, this is Emily.

    Scammers use various methods to trigger these pop-ups, or ads with audio effect. They are all a form of online advertising. They are often integrated into websites or applications through ad services. Many websites (including reputable ones) 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/pro...

    As long as you didn't call them to allow them to get your personal information, or remote into your computer, your computer is safe.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-04-23T01:22:58+00:00

    Thank you!

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-04-22T23:04:08+00:00

    Hi Emily,

    Thank you for your response. As I explained, there was NO link, NO phone number, and NO visual information. It was only audible, could only be heard. I am very aware of these things that you explained. What was interesting to me is that they did NOT tell me to call a specific phone number. They told me to contact Microsoft. I would have had to find the phone number myself.

    Regards,

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