Locked computer333333

Question

Very frustrated. My computer has been locked and have been given a number to call. I'm very concerned it would be a compromised number as I can't find it on the microsoft website. I went ahead and called the number and am told it will cost money to fix. Again, concerning. With all the scams out there these days, how would one know for certain they are not being scammed?

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.

"

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.

Also see the other possibilities listed in this reply: Thread "Blocked computer" page 1: AW's reply on January 21, 2023

Answer 2

Very frustrated. My computer has been locked and have been given a number to call. I'm very concerned it would be a compromised number as I can't find it on the microsoft website. I went ahead and called the number and am told it will cost money to fix. Again, concerning. With all the scams out there these days, how would one know for certain they are not being scammed?

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Melissa Pizano

Just offering another opinion.

Smeed has given you correct advice. This pop-up window scam has been very common for a couple of years.

It was only a JavaScript generated pop-up. It does not indicate an infection and does not justify taking the computer to a tech or repair shop.

Don

Answer 3

Hello Melissa P,

thank you for coming to the forum. You are being scammed. Your device has been infected with a virus (malware) that is blocking you from accessing your desktop so it gives the number of the scammer so you can call and they can extort you to gain access back.

So what you need to do is to take your device to a computer store for them to be able to remove the stuff for you and clean your device also. If you give money to these scammers, it does not mean they will restore your files for you in good faith.

The problem is that this lack of access to your device makes it almost impossible for someone to assist remotely.

So take it to an IT repair shop for them to solve this for you.

You can share updates as it goes

Best Regards Fuad