Microsoft Tech Support Scam Pop-Up: How to Close It and What to Do If You Called

Short answer: a browser pop-up or full-screen warning saying your computer is infected and telling you to call "Microsoft Support" is a scam. Microsoft says real error messages never include a phone number, and it does not contact people offering unsolicited tech support. Close the browser and do not call.

How to close the pop-up

1. Do not click anything inside the warning.
2. On Windows, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc (or Ctrl + Alt + Delete) to open Task Manager and end your browser.
3. On a Mac, press Command + Option + Esc and force quit the browser.
4. When you reopen the browser, do not restore the previous tabs.
5. If it will not close, restart the computer.

The pop-up itself does not mean you were hacked. It is a web page designed to scare you, often with loud audio.

Already called the number?

• If you let them connect to your computer: disconnect from the internet, uninstall any remote access software they installed, and run a full scan with Microsoft Defender or your security software.
• Change passwords you used on that computer, from another device, starting with email and banking.
• If you paid: call your bank or card issuer to dispute it and stop further payments. See how to get a chargeback.
• Watch for "refund" calls later. Scammers often call back offering a refund to take more money.

Report it

Report the scam to Microsoft at microsoft.com/reportascam, and to the FTC (US) or Action Fraud (UK).

Related: fake Geek Squad and Norton invoices, SSN suspended calls.