Tech Pupport Scam

Question

Tech Pupport Scam

Jim H 20

How do I get rid of a Tech Support Scam that has stopped my access to anything other that the "Acccept" button in the caution box?

Jim H 20 Reputation points

2026-07-30T15:52:33.4533333+00:00

Thank you, David. I also discovered (while deciding what to do) that when I left my laptop off for three days my laptop started up normally and the full screen lock out was inactive! I ran the quick Scan and discovered the system clean. I appreciate your help very much.

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Jim H 20 Reputation points

2026-07-30T15:52:33.4533333+00:00

Thank you, David. I also discovered (while deciding what to do) that when I left my laptop off for three days my laptop started up normally and the full screen lock out was inactive! I ran the quick Scan and discovered the system clean. I appreciate your help very much.

Answer 1

Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

This is a common browser lockup scam (Tech Support Scam). In most cases, the computer is not infected. The malicious webpage is simply running a full-screen script to prevent access and cause panic.

Here are the steps to regain control:

1 = Force-close the browser by doing this:

Press "Ctrl + Shift + Esc" on the keyboard to open Task Manager.
Find the browser in the list (Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Firefox, etc.).
Right-click it and select "End task".

Note: If Task Manager is hidden behind the scam, exit full screen by doing this:

Press "Alt + F4" to close the active window.
Alternatively, hold down "Esc" or "F11" to break out of full-screen mode.

2 = After forcing the browser to close, reopen it safely:

Open the browser again.
If prompted to "Restore session" or "Restore tabs", select "No" or close the prompt. Restoring will reopen the scam page.

3 = Then, clear browser cache:

Inside the browser, press "Ctrl + Shift + Del".
Set the time range to "All time".
Select "Cached images and files" only, then clear the data.

4 = Then, scan the system as a safety precaution:

Open "Windows Security" from the Start menu.
Go to "Virus & threat protection" and run a "Quick scan" to confirm the system is clean.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have.