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how do I know if the people answering the 888 number from Microsoft?

Anonymous
2025-05-01T17:00:05+00:00

I got a message stating that I had a security breach and to call Microsoft at once at an 888 number. My computer was locked and I called the number. How do I know that this is really Microsoft? They did not identify themselves as Microsoft when answering the phone but claimed to be with Microsoft when I asked. They asked me to do some rather suspicious things, like deleting apps from my phone and not using an ATM. And they locked me out of my computer. I run a business from my computer!

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. quietman7 MVP Alumni 19,735 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2025-05-01T21:33:10+00:00

    You are dealing with a well known Tech Support Scam.

    Microsoft does not make unsolicited phone calls, display pop-up alerts in your browser to call a support number or send unsolicited email messages to request personal or financial information or to fix your computer.
     
    Microsoft: Protect yourself from tech support scams

    Quote

    • Microsoft does not send unsolicited email messages or make unsolicited phone calls to request personal or financial information, or to provide technical support to fix your computer
    • If a pop-up or error message appears with a phone number, don’t call the number. Error and warning messages from Microsoft never include a phone number.

    Microsoft and others have been warning folks about Tech Support Scams for years.

    For more information about how these scams work and resources to protect yourself from scams, please read Beware of Phony Emails, Phone Calls, Tech Support Scams, Ranscams & Extortion/Sextortion Scams (Post #13)...there are suggestions near the bottom for dealing with scams and a list of security scanning tools to use in case the usual methods do not resolve the problem or you allowed remote access into your computer.
     
    Reporting Phone, Tech Support Scams, Fraud, Phishing & Extortion Scams (Post #13) <- scroll down

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-05-01T19:03:40+00:00

    It was a scam

    MS does not call or msg/email people with either a 'Contact Link' or 'call this number'

    If you have no main brand AV/Security app you place yourself/bus in danger

    No One would have locked you out unless you allowed them to access your PC, in which case call your bank/cc to obtain new cards

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