Pop up says computer locked call Microsoft security center. Is this a scam? Please help

Question

Pop up on computer screen says my computer is "locked up" and call Microsoft security center at 1 833 978 2486. My lap top is locked. Please help

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

The message says it’s from Microsoft and excess to the computer has been blocked for security reasons. I’m to call 1-833-321-0093. I know this is a scam. What do I do now?

Answer 3

What do I do now?

How about reading and following the advice in the first post...

Answer 4

I had this happen to me just yesterday. I think what may have happened was when I accidentally made a typo which ended up taking me to a place where this so-called Microsoft thing was living. Yes, it said all the things like, "your computer is infected"..."you should call us"...& more. I'm savvy to this sort of thing, & knew NOT to call that number. Use of the mouse was limited. I shut the computer off, then started it again...same "Microsoft" warning. I then did a force shutdown, relaunched the computer, & all was fine. Just to be sure everything was ok...I not only did a quick scan, but a full scan of the computer. Both results were clean. There's advice about doing the Ctrl/Alt/delete thing, indicating there could be a problem with browsers. I got this advice from a reliable source. Ensure your browser is up to date, & disallow 3rd party cookies.

It's crucial that you do NOT call the phone number on the scam. ALSO if you get a very similar scam...it may tell you not to shut the computer off. B.S.!!!...it's ok to shut off the computer.

Hope this helps!!

Answer 5

@MexicanRose

Not sure why you're replying to me.

I'm not needing any help. I provided help....