Fake Blue-Screen / 'Call This Number' Lock
A webpage fakes a system crash or 'locked' screen with alarms and a phone number, so you call scam 'support' and hand over money or access.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
A malicious webpage takes over your screen with a fake Windows crash or a 'your computer has been locked' warning, sometimes with a loud alarm sound and a phone number to call 'Microsoft support.' It is just a web page designed to look like a system failure. Calling connects you to scammers who ask for payment or remote access. Real system errors never give you a phone number to call.
What it usually looks like
- A full-screen blue error or 'locked' warning in your browser.
- An alarm sound and a 'do not restart' message.
- A phone number for 'Microsoft support.'
- The screen resists closing.
Common warning signs
- Real errors do not display a support phone number.
- Alarm sounds and 'call now' urgency.
- The alert is inside a browser window.
- You are told not to restart or close it.
Example wording scammers use
“** Windows Security Alert ** Your computer has been locked due to suspicious activity. Call 1-8XX-XXX-XXXX immediately. Do not restart.”
“Error 0x80070570 — contact Microsoft Support now to prevent data loss.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- You to call and hand over money or remote access.
- Fear so you do not simply close the page.
- Gift-card or card payments for 'repair.'
What to do
- Do not call the number.
- Close the browser (force-quit it if needed) or restart the computer.
- Clear the browser or reopen without restoring tabs.
- Run a security scan for peace of mind.
What to do if you already responded
- If you called and gave access, disconnect and run a security scan; change key passwords from a clean device.
- Contact your bank/gift-card issuer if you paid.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.