Hi Skip,

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

I'm Hahn and I'm here to help you with your concern.

I'm sorry to hear that you have a malware problem. The Windows Defender Security Notification that is locking up your computer is a scam that tries to trick you into calling a fake customer support number. You should not call the number or follow any instructions from the scammers. Instead, you should try to remove the malware from your computer as soon as possible.

  • Restart in Safe Mode: Restart your computer in Safe Mode to prevent any third-party applications, including malware, from running. Start your PC in safe mode in Windows - Microsoft Support
  • Perform a Full Scan with Windows Defender:
    • While in Safe Mode, run a full scan using Windows Defender to identify and remove any malware. To do this, follow these steps: Remove malware from your Windows PC - Microsoft Support
  • As a last resort, you may need to do a clean reinstall of Windows to fully remove persistent malware. Be sure to back up any important data first.
  • Avoid dubious downloads, email attachments and websites in the future to prevent malware infections. Use a reputable antivirus program and keep it updated.

Let me know if the malware persists after trying some of these steps. Being locked out by a fake security notification is frustrating, but with some effort you should be able to clean it up and regain access to your computer.

Your Sincerely

Hahn - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

🌐
Norton
us.norton.com › blog home › how to › how to remove a windows defender security warning scam
How to remove a Windows Defender security warning scam
December 19, 2024 - Tactics usually include using urgent language, flashy warnings, and persistent pop-ups. If you see this kind of threat, close your browser immediately and take steps to remove any potential malware or reverse unwanted browser changes.
Top answer
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70

Hi Skip,

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

I'm Hahn and I'm here to help you with your concern.

I'm sorry to hear that you have a malware problem. The Windows Defender Security Notification that is locking up your computer is a scam that tries to trick you into calling a fake customer support number. You should not call the number or follow any instructions from the scammers. Instead, you should try to remove the malware from your computer as soon as possible.

  • Restart in Safe Mode: Restart your computer in Safe Mode to prevent any third-party applications, including malware, from running. Start your PC in safe mode in Windows - Microsoft Support
  • Perform a Full Scan with Windows Defender:
    • While in Safe Mode, run a full scan using Windows Defender to identify and remove any malware. To do this, follow these steps: Remove malware from your Windows PC - Microsoft Support
  • As a last resort, you may need to do a clean reinstall of Windows to fully remove persistent malware. Be sure to back up any important data first.
  • Avoid dubious downloads, email attachments and websites in the future to prevent malware infections. Use a reputable antivirus program and keep it updated.

Let me know if the malware persists after trying some of these steps. Being locked out by a fake security notification is frustrating, but with some effort you should be able to clean it up and regain access to your computer.

Your Sincerely

Hahn - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

2 of 4
8

I picked up on your response below. Maqnaged to eliminate (i think) and Microsoft Security Error (fake) and knew enough not to response BUT the recorded message/warning plays through my laptop speaker every tijme I accss microsoft Office (what I use mostly. I cannot for the life of me get it stopped. Basically says same thing screen said: Microsoft suspended, call Microsoft at the phone number.

Any thoughts on how I fix that?

Many thanks.

Rick Hulbert, Helena Montana [phone numbe removed] ...rick****@gmail.com.

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WHAT DO I DO, I’m pretty sure the phone number is fake, I will not call it, I don’t want to call the real Microsoft either, because of their BS AI voice and no real people. Like an idiot I have clicked the “scan” “cancel” and the x’s. Alt f4 does not work. There is an AI voice saying to call the number and not close the computer. I am terrified, I was researching the angel “Sandalphon” and this popped up.

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You are right this is FAKE and SCAM.

Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc and this should open task manager which you may look into suspicious application and close them. If it didn't work, then close your browser.

You may also press Start key and it could open start menu and taskbar which you might see which app causing this issue and close it.

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Hi, LightningMcqueen.a

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

We understand that you are experiencing an issue with False Alerts. By the interface you provided, it appears that you are indeed suffering from a false fraud issue, Microsoft does not and does not have access to the user's computer interface directly, we recommend that you leave these windows alone, close them in Task Manager and go to the path of the program to remove it.  Afterwards try to enter Safe Mode:After booting up and waiting for the login screen to appear, do not log in, hold down the SHIFT key, and then click Start - Restart your computer.After rebooting, you will enter repair mode, select Troubleshooting - Advanced Options - Startup Settings - Restart.Tap the number 4 on your keyboard to enable Safe Mode.Use Windows Defender Offline Scan in Safe Mode to scan the threatening program for viruses:Help protect my PC with Microsoft Defender Offline - Microsoft SupportIn the meantime, it is recommended that you report the attempted fraud via this website: https://microsoft.com/reportascamOnce you have done so, you can also contact your local law enforcement agency directly to protect your personal information.Please refer to the following articles for fraud prevention:Protect yourself from online scams and attacks - Microsoft SupportProtect yourself from tech support scams - Microsoft SupportIf you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Best Regards

Nicholas.Z - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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