A scary pop-up says your computer is locked. What to do
A pop-up says your computer is locked and to call a number? It is a scam. Don't call. Here is how to close it, and what to do if you already called.
Got scammed? Here's what we do.
If a fake “Microsoft” pop-up or caller got into your computer, disconnect it from the internet and shut it down. Then have it checked before you trust it again. WeldonPC removes whatever was left behind and helps you secure your accounts. There is no shame in it: this scam keeps working on smart, careful people.
What WeldonPC does
- Remove whatever the scammer left behind
- Secure your accounts
- Show you what the scam looked like, so it doesn't work next time
If you let someone connect: do this now
- Disconnect the computer from the internet. Unplug the network cable or turn off Wi-Fi, then shut the computer down.
- If you paid anything, call your bank or card company right away and say “fraud”.
- Change your email password from a different device. Your email is the key to your other accounts.
- Have the computer checked before you trust it again. Remote-control programs and spyware don't remove themselves.
What WeldonPC does
Bring the computer to WeldonPC's store at 5829 Turney Road, Garfield Heights, OH 44125. A technician removes whatever was left behind, helps you secure your accounts, and shows you exactly what the scam looked like so it doesn't fool you or anyone in your house again.
Not sure whether it was a scam? Call 888-7-WELDON, Monday to Friday, 12 PM to 8 PM Eastern time. WeldonPC will never ask for payment, passwords or remote access through a pop-up.
What your plan covers
A plan includes remote help within your included hours, and Webroot antivirus on the covered computer. After a scammer has had remote control of a computer, WeldonPC's advice is to keep it off the internet and bring it in, so a clean-up after a scam is usually done in the store.
Try it yourself first.
Free guides from the Tech Support Bundle team.
How to let a technician connect safely, and spot fake ones
Remote support is safe when you start it with a company you chose. Here is how a real session begins, and the signs that a “technician” is a scammer.
Think your email was hacked? Do these 7 things
Friends getting emails you didn't send, or locked out of your account? Seven steps to take your email back and lock it down, in the right order.
Questions.
Was that call or pop-up really from Microsoft?
No. In WeldonPC's words: “Microsoft doesn't call you. Apple doesn't call you. And no legitimate warning has ever asked you to call a phone number off your screen.”
I only saw the pop-up. I didn't call. Am I okay?
Yes, most likely. A scary pop-up cannot hurt your computer by being closed. Close the browser. If the screen is stuck, hold the power button for ten seconds, wait a moment and turn the computer back on.
I paid them. Can I get the money back?
Call your bank or card company right away and say the word “fraud”. The sooner you call, the more they can do. WeldonPC can't recover money, but it can make the computer safe to use again.
Rather have us do it?
Every plan includes remote help from a WeldonPC technician. Call 888-7-WELDON, Mon–Fri 12–8 PM ET.