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Arizona Hot:
Windows 10 Announced
Microsoft tries forcing Mail users to open links in Edge, and people are freaking out
Windows 10 Announced
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Arizona Hot:
Windows 10 Announced
While browsing USA Today today I got this popup. I didn't call the number and closed Chrome after getting a screenshot. I use Incognito Mode. While trying to use Feedback Hub, Windows 10 restarted so it is unlikely that anything that might still be left is still there. I chatted with MS Support and that isn't their number.
Deozaan:
While browsing USA Today today I got this popup. I didn't call the number and closed Chrome after getting a screenshot. I use Incognito Mode. While trying to use Feedback Hub, Windows 10 restarted so it is unlikely that anything that might still be left is still there. I chatted with MS Support and that isn't their number.
-Arizona Hot (April 04, 2018, 07:03 PM)
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That has nothing to do with Microsoft or Windows 10. It likely has more to do with USA Today or whatever other site(s) you may have been browsing at the time. It's just a scam.
Shades:
There are a few grammar mistakes in the screenshot of that message. As a non-native speaker/writer of English, I may not assume my English is great. But I like to think it is good enough to spot the bad grammar in places. Bad English is almost always a sign of a scam.
Also, you must call Microsoft, because of a Google Chrome critical error? Without an error code? If you expect any help from the provided telephone number or the real telephone number without an error code or at least a concise note regarding the nature of the error, dream on.
Most of the remaining content is just spreading panic in the mind of the user with generic terms...
Separately, each of the above statements should have triggered your bullsh.t detector. In combination it almost becomes funny, at least for people proficient in reading error messages.
Granted, that is not a skill mastered by most users. And that is where the creators of the message bank on. However, if I can already spot the bad grammar, a native speaker of English would certainly spot them, likely even more. Bad English in error messages created by an organization as Google (which employs geniuses in every shape and form)? Really?
Even if you don't have a brain "wired" for computers, just your skill in English should already have been enough to identify this message as a scam.
Arizona Hot:
I did think it sounded phony, and I got some more information from a member of the community when I posted a question on Feedback Hub. The reply is given below for anyone like me who hasn't encountered this before.
Question has a reply: Red popup virus screen while browsing
Microsoft Community <[email protected]> Yesterday, 6:21 PM
Microsoft Community Your question has a reply Hi, <name deleted>
Bruce Hagen has replied to your question Red popup virus screen while browsing
It's a common scam that has been around for a few years now. Click the X to close the window. You should then see a box at the bottom, Do not allow this site to create new messages. Check it and then close that window and finally the popup.
If that doesn't work, for Edge, follow the instructions by Scott_Ki here:
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/forum/protect_other-protect_scanning/edge-frozen-with-virus-warning-popup/7212a393-90ad-48d0-ab55-4ffe1f21a554?page=2&msgId=7618ae67-bf16-4155-bf90-d8a7405ee199
For all other browsers, use the Task Manager to exit the browser. Reboot and see if the pop-up goes away.
How to Use the New Task Manager.
http://www.wikihow.com/Open-Windows-Task-Manager
If the problem persists, for any browser:
Remove Tech Support Scam pop-up (Call For Support Scam)
http://malwaretips.com/blogs/remove-tech-support-scam-popups/
Please read:
PSA: Tech Support Scams Pop-Ups on the Rise
https://blog.malwarebytes.org/fraud-scam/2014/11/psa-tech-support-scams-pop-ups-on-the-rise/
Breaking down a notably sophisticated tech support scam M.O.
https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/mmpc/2017/03/02/breaking-down-a-notably-sophisticated-tech-support-scam-m-o/
For more information, see this post by GreginMich
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/forum/protect_other-protect_scanning-windows_10/my-computer-was-blocked-how-do-i-unblock-it/4735ea26-4e01-40eb-9c34-c991d11ad194#LastReply
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