I received a call from the 'Windows Security Department" saying they are getting errors and warnings from my computer. Is this real?

Question

Here's the script from the call.

-Blocked numbers are disconnected.

-Real numbers go right to an Operator

"Thanks for calling windows security department, 

still wondering why you recieved a call from us? 

we called you becasue your computer seems to be hijack

and we are getting some errors and warnings from your computer.

please turn on your computer while you are connecting your call to our experts"

Answer 1

Don't answer it.

Its a scam, Microsoft does not call anybody to provide technical support for Windows 10:

Warning: There are "Tech Support Scams" pretending to be Windows 10 Support. Please be vigilant. Microsoft never calls users to inform them their license is expiring or troubleshoot problems. Neither should you get an email. Learn more in the following article:

PSA: Beware of Windows 10 Activation Tech Support Scams

http://www.groovypost.com/news/beware-of-window...

Report it:

https://www.microsoft.com/reportascam/

Tech support scams - Windows Defender Security ... - Microsoft

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/wdsi/threats/su...

Protect yourself from tech support scams - Microsoft Support

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/401340...

Answer 2

Hello,

That is a phone call scam and I encourage you to not listen to them and block their number. Microsoft Security Department would not call you to inform you of errors on your computer.

Answer 3

Hi Cyber Report, well done for being suspicious, you would be amazed how many users fall for this!

This is a well known SCAM

All they are trying to do is get control of your PC, they will cause your PC to become corrupt and then require you to pay to have it fixed and even though you might pay them, they will not fix it!

Do not give them Remote Access to your PC

Do not give them any personal details

Do not pay them

Answer 4

That's a scam.... It's nothing new.

Please do read the below articles with lots of more information and where you'll find all of your questions answered:

• A cure for the common cold call: freeze them out - Malwarebytes Labs | Malwarebytes Labs
• Avoiding technical support scams
• https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/wdsi/threats/support-scams
• Beware of Phony Tech Support Scams
• Tell Your Relatives: No, Microsoft Won’t Call You About Your Computer
• The “Tech Support” Scammers Called HTG (So We Had Fun with Them)
• Tech Support Scams - Help & Resource Page
• Best Practices for Safe Computing - Prevention of Malware Infection

Video from Microsoft Digital Crimes Unit:

Don't Be a Victim of Tech Support Scams

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jvh9TZ-pGRs

https://youtu.be/tuTAA5Kj3Kk

Report phone scams

• Help Microsoft stop cybercriminals by reportinginformation about your phone scam.
• In the United States, use the FTC Complaint Assistant form.
• In Canada, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre can provide support.
• In the United Kingdom, you can report fraud as well as unsolicited calls.