pop up trojan

Question

pop up trojan and to call number. is this from microsoft or a scam?

Answer 1

The pop-up telling to call a number is a scam, not legitimate Microsoft support.

Key points:

1. Genuine Microsoft error or warning messages never include a phone number to call.
2. Microsoft does not send unsolicited messages or make unsolicited phone calls to offer technical support or request personal/financial information.
3. Tech support scam pop-ups often:
   • Lock the browser in full screen
   • Show fake Windows or Microsoft Defender warnings
   • Play alarming audio
   • Urge to call a “support” number immediately

What to do now:

1. Do not call the number and do not provide any personal or financial information.
2. Close the browser:
   • Try closing the browser window normally.
   • If that fails, press Ctrl+Alt+Del and open Task Manager, then end the browser process.
   • If needed, restart the device.
3. If no software was installed and no remote access was granted, the device is typically not compromised; it is just a malicious web page.
4. Report the scam to Microsoft at https://www.microsoft.com/reportascam.
5. For ongoing protection:
   • Use Microsoft Edge with Microsoft Defender SmartScreen enabled to help block known support scam sites.
   • Download software only from official Microsoft partner sites or the Microsoft Store.

If there is concern that anything was installed or access was granted, run a full scan with Microsoft Defender and follow any remediation steps it recommends.

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References:

• Avoid and report Microsoft technical support scams
• Protect yourself from tech support scams
• Protect yourself from online scams and attacks
• Tech support scams
• Microsoft Defender Scam or Do I have a virus on my computer - Microsoft Q&A
• Windows defender scam - Microsoft Q&A
• why can't you block AnyTech365.com....they are a scam company posing as Microsoft supported, stealing information? - Microsoft Q&A
• I WAS HACKED - Microsoft Q&A
• Who do I call for support? - Microsoft Q&A