Tech-support and refund scams · stamped SCAM
The pop-up with a phone numberSCAM
A real scam people fell for this year, next to the real thing. The numbers mark the three things to check: hover or tap one to see what it tells you.
Attackers on the site you tried visiting might trick you into installing software or revealing things like your passwords, phone or credit card numbers.
Chrome strongly recommends going back to safety.
Access to this PC has been blocked for security reasons. Do not restart or close this window. Call Microsoft Support now to unlock it.
Always check the phone number.
Microsoft never puts a phone number on a warning, and a website can't lock your computer. Chrome's real warning only offers a way back.
Chrome's own red warning page, drawn by the browser itself.
windows-defender-alert.live is a website pretending to be Windows.
Go back to safety. No number, no call, nothing to install.
Call +1 (888) 555-0147 to “unlock” your computer.
Calm wording, and you can leave.
Your PC is “locked”: don’t restart, call now.
RememberA pop-up with a phone number is always a scam. Close the tab, or restart your computer if it won't close. It isn't really locked.
Would you have spotted it?
10 pairs like this one, three minutes, a score to share. Then find out who in the family is the easy mark.