With a fake Microsoft alert, criminals demand that you contact a support center by phone.
As our cooperation partner Watchlist Internet reports, this dubious support center tells victims that their computer is infected with malware . For this reason, they should download a program and pay for the assistance. If consumers comply with the request, they lose money and infect their device with malware.
While surfing the Internet, users can unintentionally open a website that blocks the browser. It falsely claims that it is from Microsoft and cites an alleged error:
Attention!!
***ERROR # AP7MQ79. ***
Call immediately:
071 14905 0840 (24h/24 7y/7)
(free)Do not ignore this critical warning. If you close this page, your computer access will be disabled to prevent further damage to our network.
Your computer has alerted us that it has been infected with a virus and spyware. The following information may be lost:
1. Passwords
2. Browsing history
3. Sensitive information (credit cards)
4. Files on the hard drive.t).Contact us immediately so our technicians can guide you through the phone removal process. Please call us within 5 minutes to prevent your computer from being disabled.
The alleged warning uses Microsoft image trademarks and pretends to be real:

What's next?
Computer users who comply with the request and contact alleged Microsoft support will be asked to install a program on their device. It allows the other person remote access to the other person's computer. Users should then execute commands that produce error messages. They are supposedly proof that the computer is infected with malware, as claimed in the ad. Consumers should therefore download a program that can help.
To do this, you have to provide your credit card details on a website and pay money. If you comply with the request, strangers will have your bank details and can make cash transfers abroad. In addition, fraudulent support can install malware, steal access data or encrypt documents unnoticed by its victims.
How do you recognize the fake Microsoft notification?
Microsoft does not warn its users on websites that their computer is infected with malware. For this purpose, it offers its customers “Windows Defender Antivirus” or “Windows Defender Offline”. The programs are installed locally on the computer and continuously check activities on the PC. If you discover malware, remove it after warning the owners.
Have you fallen into the trap?
If you have fallen for the fraudulent support, please proceed as follows:
- Uninstall the program that support installed for you.
- Update your operating system and its antivirus program.
- Scan your computer for malware and remove any malicious programs it finds.
- Change all passwords for your user accounts. Otherwise, criminals can still have access to it.
- Contact your credit card company and request a refund of any amounts that were wrongly debited.
The Internet Watchlist recommends:
Do not respond to purported Microsoft support messages that warn that your computer is infected with malware. They are fraudulent and come from criminals who install malicious programs on their computer and want money from you!
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