Computer takeover threat

Question

Three times in the past month, my browsing was interrupted by an outside person or persons with both audio and visual means.  While reading an article, a visual message plus an audio (voice} broke in, and told me my computer had been infected by a virus and that I MUST call a certain phone number or my computer would be hijacked by someone who would make it impossible to turn it on or off.  The most recent time time, I was told it was by Microsoft.  All three time I ignored their instructions and instead turned the computer off then back on.  I did have a virus each time but Windows Defender removed it.  Is there any way I can prevent this from happening again?

Answer 1

This is a common scam. It is not preventable at this time and can happen with any browser and any security program. You are no at risk as long as yo don't call them.

  Click the OK button at the bottom of the popup. You should then
  see a box Do not allow this site to create new pages. Check it and
  then close the window.  

  If that doesn't work, for Edge, follow the instructions by
  Scott\_Ki here:  

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/forum/protect_other-protect_scanning/edge-frozen-with-virus-warning-popup/7212a393-90ad-48d0-ab55-4ffe1f21a554?page=2&msgId=7618ae67-bf16-4155-bf90-d8a7405ee199

  For all other browsers:  

  Use the Task Manager to exit the browser. Reboot and see if the
  pop-up goes away.  

  How to Use the New Task Manager in Windows 8 or 10  

http://www.howtogeek.com/108742/how-to-use-the-new-task-manager-in-windows-8/

  How to Use the Task Manager in Windows 7  

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/end-process#1TC=windows-7

  If the problem persists, for any browser:  

  Remove Tech Support Scam pop-up (Call For Support Scam)  

  [http://malwaretips.com/blogs/remove-tech-support-scam-popups/](http://malwaretips.com/blogs/remove-tech-support-scam-popups/)  

  And see:  

  PSA: Tech Support Scams Pop-Ups on the Rise   

https://blog.malwarebytes.org/fraud-scam/2014/11/psa-tech-support-scams-pop-ups-on-the-rise/

  For more information, see this post by GreginMich  

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/forum/protect_other-protect_scanning/1-888-2361-scam/0990122e-61a9-431b-947e-a904c202fa7c?msgId=8d26f1a8-041a-4351-9c24-a222fb305cbd