Beware of scams popping up on PCs
Q. While working on nothing unusual yesterday, I got a sudden message that warned of computer failure. It had all the appearance of a legitimate message from Microsoft with the Windows logo. A phone number was provided and an urgent directive to call for help. As the machine was frozen to that screen I did call. I was transferred to a company that tried really hard to sell me a firewall. What should I have done, rather than call the number?
A. This is a very common scam. What happens is you visit a website that pops up a message window like this. When the window pops up, your screen basically freezes and your mouse and keyboard stop working.
The message in the window indicates that your computer has a problem and directs you to call the number on the screen.
The phone number is not for Microsoft, nor is it the phone number for any legitimate company that wants to help you with your so-called computer problem.
It is a number to a scammer who will, at best, try to sell you something you don’t need and at worst, try to gain access to your PC and steal your data.
You should never, ever call a number that just pops up on your computer screen offering help with your PC. Companies like Microsoft have no interest in marketing or supporting their software in this way. It is always a scam.
If you see something like this and you cannot get your computer to respond, unplug it. Then plug it back in and you should be able to regain control.
But just to be safe, you may want to perform a quick scan for malware with something like Malwarebytes or Hitman Pro just in case.
If you think you have a computer problem, find a local tech to help you. Don’t trust anyone who comes to you unsolicited and out of the blue.