Falls Technology ServicesA page suddenly fills the screen, maybe with a loud voice or alarm, saying your computer is infected or locked and you must call "Microsoft" or "Apple support" on the number shown. It's a scam. Microsoft's real error messages never include a phone number to call.
Don't
- Call the number
- Let anyone you don't know connect to your computer remotely
- Pay anything, especially with gift cards
- Type passwords or bank details into anything that page shows you
How to close it
- Close the browser tab or window. If it won't close, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager, select the browser and choose End task
- If that doesn't work, hold the power button until the computer turns off, then turn it back on
- When the browser reopens, don't restore the previous tabs
Usually that's the end of it: the page is just a web page trying to scare you.
If you already called, or let them in
- Disconnect the computer from the internet (turn off Wi-Fi or unplug the network cable)
- If you paid or gave card or bank details, call your bank straight away
- From a different device, change your e-mail and banking passwords and turn on two-step sign-in
- Have the computer checked: people who connect remotely often leave software behind so they can come back
We remove anything they installed, check what was touched, and make sure they can't get back in.
Need a hand?
More about our computer and laptop repair help. Or tell us what's going on and we'll tell you what it takes before we start.
Send us a message or call (208) 745-2981, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5.