potential attempt at hacking my computer

Question

I think I received an attempt to hack my computer, is 18556749250 a microsoft support phone number?

do you have a suppoort tech named Nia with employee ID MS 101508?

Answer 1

Hello, thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A.

Microsoft will never display a phone number on your screen and ask you to call it to fix a security issue, unblock your device, or recover it from a hack. If you see a message like this, it's a scam which is commonly known as a tech support scam. Don't click anything on the page, don't call any number shown, and simply close the browser tab or window. If it won't close, press

CTRL + ALT + DELETE keys on your keyboard.

Open the task manager.

Right-click the browser process and select ‘End task’.

You can then clear your browsing history, cache and cookies and secure your account.

Answer 2

Microsoft does not make unsolicited support calls and genuine Microsoft error messages never include a phone number to call. Any unexpected call, pop-up, or message telling to call a specific number for “Microsoft support” should be treated as a tech support scam, regardless of the phone number or the name/ID the caller provides.

There is no way to validate internal employee identities or phone numbers, and scammers commonly use fake names, fake employee IDs, and spoofed phone numbers. Do not trust the number 18556749250 or the identity details provided. Do not call that number back, and do not share personal or financial information or allow remote access to the device.

Recommended actions:

1. If any browser pop-up told to call that number, close the browser (use ALT+F4 if needed, or restart the computer).
2. If no software was installed and no remote access was granted, the device is likely not compromised; the pop-up itself is the scam.
3. If any access or information was given (remote-control app installed, passwords or payment details shared), immediately:
   • Change passwords for important accounts.
   • Contact the bank/credit card provider to review and secure accounts.
   • Run a full security scan using trusted security software.
4. Report the scam attempt to Microsoft at https://www.microsoft.com/reportascam.
5. For official help, always start from Microsoft’s own support entry points such as Microsoft Support or the Global Customer Service phone numbers listed on Microsoft’s site, and never from a phone number shown in a pop-up.

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References:

• Protect yourself from tech support scams
• Protect yourself from online scams and attacks
• Avoid and report Microsoft technical support scams
• Microsoft resources and guidance for removal of malware and viruses
• Microsoft Defender Scam or Do I have a virus on my computer - Microsoft Q&A
• Who do I call for support? - Microsoft Q&A
• I need a phone number for Microsoft support - Microsoft Q&A
• SPEAK TO LIVE AGENT - Microsoft Q&A
• How do I get a live person at Microsoft.? - Microsoft Q&A