Windows 10: Phishing

A probable phishing attack has frozen my computer. Screens have Microsoft logo. "Support" numbers are probably fake. A flashing green box says "return to safety." I don't trust any of it but how do I safely return to using the computer?

:)

 

phishing scam?

Hi Marie,

There are different types of Phishing scam, and the one that you received might be probably a
"Deceptive Phishing" or "System Reconfiguration Attacks". For you to prevent receiving a phishing email and to be more aware about scams, we suggest that you report it by following the steps on this
link. There are tips as well on the said link on how to determine a phishing email.

We're looking forward to your feedback.

 

phishing email

While there are legitimate emails from the Microsoft account team,
email phishing scams using the Microsoft name are very common so you have to be very careful. A
legitimate email address domain from Microsoft is @accountprotection.microsoft.com.

• Can I trust email from the Microsoft account team?
• What happens if there's an unusual sign-in to your Microsoft account
• Watch Out for This Office 365 Phishing Email

This is an example of an older scam:
Ask Leo: Is Windows Live Hotmail about to close my account?

• Report phishing scams
• Submit spam, non-spam, and phishing scam messages to Microsoft
• Avoid and report phishing emails
• FTC Complaint Assistant

 

Phishing email?

No, that's not real. It's a phishing attempt. It's a scam.

Delete that email and please read:

• Microsoft security help & learning - Microsoft Support (especially the part Microsoft does not send unsolicited communication
  about security updates)

• Phishing: What Is It and Other Frequently Asked Questions
• Beware of Phony Emails & Tech Support Scams
• Best Practices for Safe Computing - Prevention of Malware Infection