PC Doctor August 19, 2019

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Dear PC Doctor:

When I turn on my computer, I get this message:

“Windows Security Microsoft Edge The security unreative.xyz is asking for your user name and password. The server reports that it is from System_Protect_-_PROTECT_ERROR_ OXEB7024465 Contact_Microsoft_Support_+1(844)_421-1995_Toll-Free”

This looks fishy to me, but it keeps happening. Should I call? I want it to go away.

Thanks,

Cara:

Dear Cara:

You are wise to think this is fishy! A quick internet search for those phrases brings up testimony from other Microsoft users who attest that this is a scam. Do not enter your credentials and do not make that call.

If you can't close the pop-up window by clicking the x in the corner of the box, open Task Manager and close all browser processes. Open task manager by pressing [Ctrl]+[Alt]+[Del] and then clicking Start Task Manager. Close the browser processes.

Once you get the pop-up window to close, you may want to consider running a malware scan and employing an Ad-blocker extension.

A reverse phone number search revealed that there is no name or geographic location associated with this phone number, which also feels fishy.

In the future, if you do want to contact Microsoft (or any other company’s) support, visit their official webpage and follow contact instructions from there.

I hope this helps!
Until next time, Happy computing!

PC Doctor

Editor's Note: Questions should be directed to PC Doctor, care of the Athol Public Library, info@athollibrary.org or Athol Public Library, 568 Main St., Athol, Mass. 01331, or dropped off at the library.

Posted: to Athol Library News on Mon, Aug 19, 2019
Updated: Tue, Aug 20, 2019