Windows 10: My computer is locked due to a scam security link which prevents me from using it. Please help.

Can you please help me with the above?I just went to look at a story on a bear cub and a security message flashed up. It’s wanting me to call a scam number.

:)

 

security scam?

Yes. That's a scam which is going on since many many years.

Suggestion to read:

• Beware of Phony Emails & Tech Support Scams

• https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/wdsi/threats/support-scams

• Avoiding technical support scams
• Tech Support Scams – Help & Resource Page
• Best Practices for Safe Computing - Prevention of Malware Infection

 

Pop up says computer locked call Microsoft security center. Is this a scam? Please help

That's a fake so-called Tech Support scam alert/warning which you are seeing in your browser.

"Remember that real error messages from Microsoft, or other big tech companies, never include phone numbers for you to call them.

If your screen suddenly fills with scary pop-ups you should immediately close your browser (try pressing ALT+F4 if you can't do it with your mouse). If you can’t close your browser try restarting your computer."

Other methods to get out of such fake Tech Support scam browser warnings are listed here:: Thread "Blocked computer" page 1: _AW_'s reply on January 21, 2023

Suggest reading:

• Protect yourself from online scams and attacks - Microsoft Support
  
• How to spot a tech support scam - Microsoft Support
  

To prevent even seeing such fake alerts, use a good content/ad-blocker such as free uBlock Origin.

 

Security Scam?

Yes, that's definitely a fake warning, a so called TechSupport scam.

A good ad blocker should prevent these fake warnings/alerts. Tracking blockers help too.

I use and recommend the free extensions uBlock Origin and Ghostery.

Most browsers offer the same or similar extensions...

Also go through your browser's settings and adjust them to your wishes. For example, block 3rd party cookies etc.

You might want to read:

How to tighten security and increase privacy on your browser - Malwarebytes Labs | Malwarebytes
Labs

and

Answers to common security questions - Best Practices

especially
Beware of Phony Emails, Phone Calls & Tech Support Scams

which

• explains various methods how to get out of those fake alerts etc
  
• includes Resources to protect your browser, privacy & help prevent browser pop-up ads and scams
• explains what to do when you keep on seeing these fake sites despite having followed the above mentioned advices.