Windows 10: How do I know the Defender Virus alert is not a scam

I recieved a message from Microsoft Defender with a phone number to call. I want to know if it is a scam before calling

:)

 

Windows virus alert scams

I want to know in anyone else is receiving a virus alert from windows. I think it is a scam and i’m worried that it may hurt my computer.

 

Virus scam alert.

It is a common scam.

Tech Support Scamming through
unsolicited phone calls, browser pop-ups and
emails (aka
Tech Support Scamming) from "so-called Support Techs" advising
"your computer is infected with malware",
“All Your Files Are Encrypted" and other
fake "alert messages" has become an increasing common scam tactic over the past several years. The scams may involve web pages with screenshots of fake Microsoft (Windows) Support messages, fake reports of suspicious activity, fake warnings of malware
found on your computer,
fake ransomware and fake
BSODs all of which include a tech support phone number to call in order to fix the problem. If you call the phone number (or they called you), more nefarious scammers will talk their victims into allowing them remote control
access of the computer so they can install a
Remote Access Trojan in order to steal passwords and other sensitive personal information which could then be used to access bank accounts or steal a person's identity.

These are a few examples.

• Fake Your computer is locked screenlocker...contact a Microsoft technician
• Microsoft Help Desk Tech Support Scam
• Microsoft Office Activation Wizard Tech Support Scam
• Windows has been blocked due to suspicious activity Tech Support Scam
• Your Windows has been Banned Scam
• 1-844-879-7840 Suspicious Activity Tech Support Scam

The scammer may claim to be affiliated with Microsoft or
Windows Support. However, there have been reports of scammers claiming to be affiliated with major computer manufacturers such as
Hewlett Packard, Lenovo and Dell, familiar security vendors like
Symantec, Panda, McAfee, etc. and even popular
ISPs.

Hanging up the phone when the scammers call is the best way to deal with them.

For more information about how these scams work and resources to protect yourself, please read
Beware of Phony Emails & Tech Support Scams...there
are suggestions near the bottom for dealing with scams and a list of security scanning tools to use in case the usual methods do not resolve the problem or you allowed remote access into your computer.

 

"Internet Security Alert! Code: 055BCCAC9FEC". Does anybody know if this is real or a scam?

That's a fake alert. If you would call that number, the scammers would try to sell you their unneeded "services/products" and they might try to trick you into allowing them access to your computer...

See:

• Remove the Internet Security Alert Tech Support Scam
• https://malwaretips.com/blogs/remove-internet-security-alert-scam/