Windows 10: is there a scammer pretending to be microsoft windows locking my PC unless I call a 1888...

is there a scammer pretending to be microsoft windows locking my PC unless I call a 1888 number?

:)

 

Scammers

you are correct in thinking they are scammers,

it has become a very common scam over the last couple of years and they may pretend to be any reputable it company (windows, Norton, broadband supplier, telephone supplier etc)

microsoft will not call you unless you have previously arranged it for a specific issue.

the best thing you could do is hang up the phone. do not allow access to your computer or give them any details.

you can report the scam here

https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/405490...

you may be able to get your telecoms supplier to block the number, however the scammers use different numbers and they are likely spoofed.

 

Scammer locked PC with Syskey startup password

My older, non-computer savvy Dad was just taken by the oldest trick in the book. Hoping someone can help out.

System: Toshiba Laptop. Windows 10 Home.

Scammer from "AOL" calls my dad and says his computer is corrupted. My Dad (sadly) gave him remote access. Scammer installed a password using Syskey startup. Now, on startup, Dad gets a black screen with message "This computer is configured to require a password in order to start up. Please enter the startup password below."

He's tried to get into the F8 menu by turning on PC and pressing F8, but the system goes straight into the password.

Can anyone help? Is there an easy fix I can help my Dad do remotely by talking him over it the phone?

 

Microsoft scammers

Yes, that should be enough.

Probably you saw something similar to what is described here:
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-your-computer-has-been-locked-popup-scam

All these kind of pop ups are fake alerts. Your PC is NOT infected.

Do NOT call the phone-number which is displayed in that fake alert.

It leads to scammers who try to trick you into giving them access to your computer, to steal your passwords etc and to sell you their unneeded services etc.

Please carefully read the following article which explains in detail how to get rid of such pop ups and what to do if you keep on seeing them:

• Beware of Phony Emails & Tech Support Scams

In addition suggestion to read:

• https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/wdsi/threats/support-scams
• Best Practices for Safe Computing - Prevention of Malware Infection