Don’t Panic: Identifying and Dealing with a Fake Computer Lock Down
A message appearing on your computer screen saying it’s locked and instructing you not to shut it down and to call a number for help is a common tech support scam. These messages are designed to scare you into believing there’s a serious problem with your computer, but they are not legitimate warnings from a reputable source like Apple.
Immediate Action: Steps to Take When Targeted by a Tech Support Scam
What to do:
- Don’t call the number: Legitimate Apple error messages will never include a phone number to call.
- Close the browser or restart your computer: Close the browser window or restart your computer to make the message disappear. You may need to force close the browser window or force restart your computer.
- Reset your browser settings: You may choose to reset your browser’s settings to their default state to remove any potentially malicious browser extensions or settings.
- Change your passwords: If you entered any credentials while the scam message was present, or if you suspect your computer might be compromised, change all your passwords, starting with your email and banking accounts.
- Report the scam: If you were tricked into giving information, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Staying Protected from Online Scams
These scams are more common than you might think, and they’re easier to spot once you know the signs. Here are some important points to remember to help you stay safe:
- Apple and other legitimate tech companies do not send unsolicited pop-up messages with phone numbers asking you to call them.
- If you see a message saying your computer is locked or blocked, it’s likely a scam.
- Be cautious about any message that asks for personal or financial information or requests payment to fix a problem.
