A screaming full-screen popup says you're infected and to call "Microsoft" now. The only virus is the phone number. This scam empties retirement accounts.
Real security software doesn't tell you to call anyone. Microsoft doesn't know or care what's on your PC and will never call you or ask you to. A warning with a phone number IS the scam.
Sirens, robotic voices, flashing warnings: "Your computer is infected! Call Microsoft: 1-800-XXX-XXXX. Do not shut down!" It's just a webpage.
"Microsoft certified technician." They ask to connect remotely with AnyDesk or TeamViewer to "diagnose."
Scary-looking (normal) system screens, then hundreds of dollars to fix nothing. With remote access, they may also grab banking logins or install backdoors.
Later they call "to refund you," "accidentally" overpay, and beg you to wire back the difference. That's how retirement accounts vanish.
Close it: Ctrl+W, or Ctrl+Alt+Del → Task Manager → end the browser. The "infection" is gone because it never existed.
Hang up on tech support callers. Every single one is fake.
Never let a stranger remote into your computer.
Have a local number you trust (that's us) so panic has somewhere safe to go.
KCCS installs, secures, and watches business systems all over Southern Colorado. Get a free assessment — a real engineer walks your site and hands you a written punch list.
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