Windows 10 Tech Support Pop-up Scam

Don’t click that popup box, no matter how scary it is!

Who Is It Targeting: Windows 10 users

What Is It: Tech support phishing scam

What Are They After: Hackers have embedded malicious code into emails, text messages, and even websites that appear to be genuine warning messages. Instead, they direct the user to contact “Microsoft” directly for help cleaning a virus out of their computers. Two things happen when you contact this fake tech support: the person on the phone takes over your computer with your help, then installs a virus on your computer, and/or demands payment to “clean out” the infection that in reality, they have just placed there.

How Can You Avoid It:

• Most of the time, these popup boxes are fake and even harmless.
• If your pop-up warns you not to turn off your computer, that’s because turning it off will make it go away.
• Never click a button or link provided in these instances, and don’t bother calling the phone number in the box…it’s a scam.

Find more information about current scams and alerts here. For full details of this scam check out this article from ZDNet.com.

If you think you may be a victim of identity theft, contact the Identity Theft Resource Center for toll-free, no-cost assistance at (888) 400-5530.