Possible hack

Question

I clicked on an email in my spam and it gave me this information . I called the number on the screen but thought I should contact Microsoft myself to be sure that I wasnt about to be hacked giving out information so I hung up. Is this really Microsoft or a scam/hack. Can I get help with this if needed. I went to my task manager and just closed it out that way because my screen was frozen. I do not need to have any of my information compromised because I use this computer for many things. Help ! Moderator Moved from Microsoft 365 and Office | Access | For business | Windows

Answer 1

Can you please hold down Ctrl+Alt+Del, then launch Task Manager, and then end all browser items there to close it. That page is definitely scam, but as long as you didn't call the number and engage in any of the requested activities, your computer is not hacked. It is just a pop up page that can have some audio effect (sometimes) and display in full screen mode, so it appears the computer is locked.

Scammers use various methods to trigger these pop-ups. Pop-ups are a form of online advertising. They are often integrated into websites or applications through ad services. Many websites use third-party advertising services to display ads. Sometimes, these ad services might inadvertently allow scam ads to be displayed. This does not mean the website itself is malicious, but it indicates a lack of stringent ad vetting.

You can read more about this type of support scam here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/protect-yourself-from-tech-support-scams-2ebf91bd-f94c-2a8a-e541-f5c800d18435

Answer 2

Hi Sharon Chism,
Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum. I'm happy to help.

Please scan your system with multiple Antivirus applications.

You may follow these steps to get back a fresh Windows:

1. Fresh Browser
   Please remove all extensions from your browser and get it synced. So, the harmful extensions will not automatically be installed then.
2. Scan your system
   1. Do a fully system scan by Windows Security
   2. Do a fully system scan by Microsoft Safety Scanner
   3. Do a fully system scan by Malwarebytes
   4. Do a fully system scan by Norton Power Eraser

   Disclaimer: Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology.

3. Clean install
   Even if fully system scan can find and fix threats, you should do a Clean install as they may have made unrestorable changes to your system.
   Please make sure that you have backed up all your data before performing a clean install.

   Disclaimer: At this point, we have exhausted all troubleshooting and I recommend that we try to perform a clean install to get your computer back into a working condition. Please ensure that you backup any important data, including Documents, Pictures, Videos, and more.
   Windows 11 Clean Installation Process

I hope that above information is helpful to you.

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Answer 3

This is a tech support scam, not real Microsoft support.

Real Microsoft error messages do not display phone numbers to call, and Microsoft or other legitimate tech companies do not cold call or ask to be called from pop‑up alerts. The full‑screen “Windows Security / Microsoft Support / call this number” page is a classic scam technique.

What to do now:

1. Close the scam page
   • Since Task Manager was already used to close it, that is sufficient. If it happens again, close the browser (ALT+F4). If the browser won’t close, restart the PC.
2. Do not call the number or provide any info
   • Do not give the callers remote access, passwords, payment details, or any personal information. Tech support agents will never need unrelated personal data such as Social Security numbers.
3. Check the device for malware
   • Run a full scan with Windows Security to remove any malware. Instructions are in Stay protected with the Windows Security app.
4. Update Windows
   • Install all available security updates: Start → Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update, then check for updates and install them.
5. Change important passwords
   • Change passwords for key accounts (Microsoft account, email, banking, etc.), especially if any information was shared.
6. If any software was installed or access was granted
   • Uninstall any applications the scammer asked to install.
   • Consider resetting the PC using the guidance in Recovery options in Windows if pop‑ups keep returning or if remote access tools were installed.
7. Report the scam
   • Report it at https://microsoft.com/reportascam so it can be investigated.

Going forward, if a screen suddenly fills with scary pop‑ups demanding a call, close the browser or restart the computer and do not call any numbers shown.

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References:

• Protect yourself from online scams and attacks
• Protect yourself from tech support scams
• Protect yourself from phishing
• Help protect your Outlook.com email account