Security issue

Question

I have pop up windows, windows security alert-action required, authentication required, and voice alerts saying not to close computer, <Moderator's note: PII Removed> number given to call Microsoft

Answer 1

Hi Christine McCarrick,
Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum. I'm happy to help.

Please take suggestions from Q&A Assist seriously.

To make sure, you may scan your system with multiple Antivirus applications.

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.

If you still have those popups after that, please feel free to let me know.

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Answer 2

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

Actions to take immediately:

1. Do not call the phone number
   • Genuine Microsoft error or security messages never include a phone number to call.
   • Microsoft and other legitimate tech companies do not cold call or ask to be called from pop‑ups to “fix” your device.
2. Close the browser and pop‑ups
   • Try closing the browser normally.
   • If it will not close, press ALT + F4 to close the browser window.
   • If that fails, restart the computer.
3. Do not click anything in the pop‑up
   • Do not grant remote access, do not enter passwords, and do not provide payment information, social security number, or other personal data.
4. Protect the device
   • Run a full security scan using Windows Security (Microsoft Defender) to check for malware.
   • Use Microsoft Edge with Microsoft Defender SmartScreen enabled when browsing; it blocks many known support scam sites and can stop malicious pop‑up loops.
   • Download software only from the Microsoft Store or official Microsoft partner sites.
5. If any information or money was given
   • Contact the bank or card provider immediately to report possible fraud.
   • Change passwords for important accounts from a clean device.
6. Report the scam to Microsoft
   • Submit a report using the Microsoft technical support scam form: Submit report.
   • More guidance on reporting and avoiding these scams is available at https://microsoft.com/reportascam and in the articles below.

Going forward, treat any pop‑up, email, call, or message that:

• Claims to be from Microsoft,
• Says there is an urgent problem,
• Asks to call a number or pay with gift cards or cryptocurrency,

as a scam and close or ignore it.

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References:

• Avoid and report Microsoft technical support scams
• Protect yourself from online scams and attacks
• Protect yourself from tech support scams
• Tech support scams
• Who do I call for support? - Microsoft Q&A