Windows 10: Scam Virus or real?

Windows 10 Defender displayed a message, a ringing bell alarm and telephone number to call. Is there a way to find out if this a scam or virus? My laptop was blocked for a while. Who can you contact ?

:)

 

Possible virus or scam

As already mentioned:

All these kind of pop-ups/alerts are fake warnings - scams. Never ever call these numbers.

Please read:
Beware of Phony Tech Support Scams

Normally you just close your browser:
https://blog.malwarebytes.com/threat-analysis/2014/11/psa-tech-support-scams-pop-ups-on-the-rise/

8 Ways to Open Windows Task Manager - wikiHow

You might want to run a quick scan with your Anti-Virus program.

In case you keep on getting these fake alerts:

Follow the steps provided here: Remove Tech Support Scam pop-up (Call For Support Scam)

Suggestion to read:

• Scam Pop-Ups: What You Need to Know

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

You might want to report this to Microsoft (but you don't have to):
http://support.microsoft.com/reportascam

and you might want to watch:

Fake Tech Support Scams – video from the MS Digital Crimes Unit

 

Virus Scam 0x80072ee7

To prevent such fake and unwanted pop ups/warnings/alerts , please do get a good blocker extension for your browser.

Personally I use and recommend
uBlock Origin.

• gorhill/uBlock

Suggestion to take the time and read everything here:

Beware of Phony Emails &Tech Support Scams which

• explains various methods how to get out of those fake alerts (for example
  Close Browser Application With Task Manager). Make sure to not restore your browser session.
  
• includes Resources to protect your browser, privacy & help prevent browser pop-up ads and scams

and much more.

When in doubt: run some scans, get rid of fishy browser extensions and installed programs, reset browser etc.

Also see:

• Tech Support Scams - Help & Resource Page
  
• https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/wdsi/threats/support-scams
• Best Practices for Safe Computing - Prevention of Malware Infection
  

 

Scam?

Well, that's not true.

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-8071

Suggestion to read:

• Beware of Phony Emails &Tech Support Scams
• Avoiding technical support scams
  
• Tech Support Scams - Help & Resource Page
  

If needed:

• How to Remove Adware from a PC
• Remove Microsoft or Apple Tech Support Scam pop-ups (Free Guide)