Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

Your Computer has been Locked Scam Sent by Cybercriminals
Your Computer has been Locked Scam Sent by Cybercriminals

If you have received fake "Your computer has been Locked" error or system messages like the below, please do not call the telephone number listed in them or follow the instructions in them. This is because these fake errors are created by cybercriminals to trick potential victims into thinking their computer has crashed or is infected with a virus. Once the cybercriminals have gained their potential victims' trust, they will then ask them to give them remote access to their computers. If they are given remote access, they will steal their victims' personal and financial information and may install malware and spyware on their victims' computers.

Microsoft’s error and warning messages never include a phone number and Microsoft does not send unsolicited email messages or make unsolicited phone calls to request personal or financial information or fix your computer.

The "Your computer has been Locked" Scam

Your computer has been Locked Scam

support.windows.com says:

** Windows Warning Alert **

Malicious Pornographic Spyware/Riskware Detected

Error # 0x80092ee9

Please call us immediately Call Windows

Do not ignore this critical alert.

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 Pornographic Spyware and riskware. The following information is being stolen…

Your computer has been Locked

Your computer with the IP address has been infected by the Trojans — Because System Activation KEY has expired & Your information (for example, passwords, messages, and credit cards) have been stolen. Call Windows to protect your files and identity from further damage.

The scammer will typically attempt to get the victim to allow remote access to their computer. After remote access

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