Screen blocked with message from Microsoft

Question

Split from this thread.

Hi Brian, I have a page which has blocked the screen....Microsoft and tells me to phone[02081441867] is it genuine or how do  I clear it?

I am not very computer literate.

Thanks.

Answer 1

These kind of pop-ups are fake alerts, trying to scam you into buying needless services/products.

Never ever call those phone numbers or fill in passwords etc.

If you can't close your browser in a normal way: Open Task Manager (press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard) and in the tab Processes end all browser processes.

You can also try Shift + Esc to bring up Browser Task Manager and kill the popup without having to close the browser totally.

And/or cutting the internet and/or shutting down your computer would stop all scam actions as well.

A good ad blocker should prevent pop ups/fake warnings/alerts/ads etc. Tracking blockers help too.

I use and recommend the free extensions uBlock Origin and Ghostery.

Most browsers offer the same or similar extensions... 

Also go through your browser's settings and adjust them to your wishes. For example, block 3rd party cookies etc.

You might also want to reset your browser(s), see if you have any weird extensions/add-ons...

You might want to read:

How to tighten security and increase privacy on your browser - Malwarebytes Labs | Malwarebytes Labs

and

Answers to common security questions - Best Practices

especially Beware of Phony Emails, Phone Calls & Tech Support Scams

which

• explains various methods how to get out of those fake alerts etc
• includes Resources to protect your browser, privacy & help prevent browser pop-up ads and scams
• explains what to do when you keep on seeing these fake sites/getting pop-ups etc despite having followed the above mentioned advices.

Also:

• Protect yourself from tech support scams
• www.microsoft.com/reportascam
• Tech support scams: help and resource page
• Tech Support Scams Information