- Does Microsoft ever contact me through browser pop-ups?
- No. Microsoft never sends security warnings through web browser pop-ups. Genuine Microsoft alerts appear in Windows Security, Windows Update, or the Microsoft 365 admin centre — never as browser alerts with phone numbers.
- I already called the number — what do I do?
- If you gave payment details, contact your bank immediately to reverse any charges. If you gave remote access, disconnect from the internet, run a malware scan, and change all passwords. Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Is my computer actually infected?
- Unlikely. The alert itself is the threat. Seeing a scam pop-up in your browser does not mean your computer is compromised. Simply close the browser and clear your history.
- What if my screen appears frozen or locked?
- This is a trick. Force-quit the browser: press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on Windows, open Task Manager, and end the browser process. Your computer is not actually locked.