Avoid getting scammed by sites claiming that Microsoft Has Blocked The Computer

What is "Microsoft Has Blocked The Computer"?

Similar to "Microsoft Security Alert", "Suspicious Connection", "Firewall Breach Detected", and many others, "Microsoft Has Blocked The Computer" is a fake error message displayed by a deceptive website.

Research shows that users are often redirected to this website by various potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that often infiltrate systems without permission. As well as causing redirects, PUPs misuse system resources, gather information, and deliver malicious ads (pop-ups, coupons, banners, etc.)

"Microsoft Has Blocked The Computer" scam overview

The "Microsoft Has Blocked The Computer" error states that Windows Firewall has detected suspicious activity and, for this reason, the system has supposedly been blocked. To prevent further issues, users should immediately contact 'Microsoft Technicians' via a telephone number ("1-800-745-9386") provided.

They will then supposedly receive help in resolving these issues. In fact, "Microsoft Has Blocked The Computer" error is fake - a scam that has nothing to do with Microsoft. Cyber criminals claim to be certified technicians and offer help (which is not needed) for a certain fee.

In addition, these people often demand remote access to users' computers to install malware and/or change system settings. They then claim to "detect" additional issues and offer further help for an extra fee. Therefore, we strongly advise you to ignore "Microsoft Has Blocked The Computer" and never attempt to call the aforementioned telephone number.

This error can be removed simply by closing the web browser or restarting the system. Some PUPs and malicious websites run unwanted processes (e.g., mining cryptocurrency) in the background, without users' consent. This misuse of system resources can result in a significant reduction in overall computer performance. Another downside is information tracking.

Most PUPs record various user-system information that usually includes personal details. The data is later sold to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

Thus, the presence of information-tracking apps might lead to serious privacy issues. PUPs are also designed to deliver 'malvertising' ads that conceal underlying website content (thereby diminishing the web browsing experience) and lead to malicious websites and, in some cases, even execute scripts that download/install malware.

Therefore, clicking them risks further computer infections. We strongly advise you to uninstall all potentially unwanted programs immediately.

Threat Summary:

Name	Microsoft Has Blocked The Computer scam website
Threat Type	Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Symptoms	Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed.
Distribution methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers.
Damage	Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections.
Malware Removal (Windows)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

As mentioned above, "Microsoft Has Blocked The Computer" shares many similarities with dozens of other errors. All claim that the system is infected, missing files or damaged in other similar ways, however, these false claims are merely attempts to trick unsuspecting users into calling and paying for technical support that is not required.

Potentially unwanted programs also share many similarities. Most offer "useful features" (e.g., system optimization, anti-virus, file format conversion, etc.), however, these programs usually deliver no real value for regular users. PUPs are designed only to generate revenue for the developers.

Rather than providing any of the features promised, they cause unwanted redirects, misuse system resources, gather information, and deliver ads, thereby posing a threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.

How did adware install on my computer?

In some cases, potentially unwanted programs have official download websites, however, most are distributed using the aforementioned ads, together with a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" - stealth installation of third party programs together with regular (mostly free) software.

Due to lack of knowledge and careless behavior, PUPs often infiltrate systems without permission. Developers do not disclose PUP installation properly - they hide this information within various sections (e.g., the "Custom/Advanced" settings) of the download/installation processes.

Furthermore, many users click various ads and rush the download/installation processes. In doing so, they expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

The key to computer safety is caution. To prevent system infiltration by PUPs, be very cautious when downloading/installing software and browsing the Internet in general. Download your software from official sources only and, preferably, using a direct download link (third party download/installation tools often include malicious apps).

In addition, analyze each step of the download/installation processes to opt-out of all additionally-included programs. Bear in mind that malicious ads appear legitimate, however, are identifiable, since they often lead to survey, gambling, adult dating, and other dubious websites. If you encounter such ads, immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser plug-ins.

Text presented in the pop-up:

Firewall detecting 'suspicious' incoming network connections, we recommend that you click on "Back to Safety"

Screenshot of malicious website displaying "Microsoft Has Blocked The Computer" error:

Text presented within this website:

WARNING
Microsoft Has Blocked The Computer Due To Security Reason
Screen Error 0x0075000xe8 - Do Not Restart
Call Microsoft Technician Toll Free At 1-800-745-9386
Please ensure you do not restart your computer it may lead to Permanent Damage to the System or data loss
Microsoft Windows has detected that your computer is infected with virus and spyware
Please Call +1-800-745-9386 for Support or Visit Support.Microsoft.com
If Not Fixed Computer Will Be Permanently Disabled
This may happen due to obsolete network protections. Security or Firewall may be disabled
Suspicious activity is detected on your IP address. Your account will be suspended if not fixed immediately.
Call Microsoft Technician At 1-800-745-9386
It's strongly advised that you call the number above and get your computer inspected.

The appearance of "Microsoft Has Blocked The Computer" pop-up (GIF):

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▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

• What is Microsoft Has Blocked The Computer scam website?
• How to identify a pop-up scam?
• How do pop-up scams work?
• How to remove fake pop-ups?
• How to prevent fake pop-ups?
• What to do if you fell for a pop-up scam?

How to identify a pop-up scam?

Pop-up windows with various fake messages are a common type of lures cybercriminals use. They collect sensitive personal data, trick Internet users into calling fake tech support numbers, subscribe to useless online services, invest in shady cryptocurrency schemes, etc.

While in the majority of cases these pop-ups don't infect users' devices with malware, they can cause direct monetary loss or could result in identity theft.

Cybercriminals strive to create their rogue pop-up windows to look trustworthy, however, scams typically have the following characteristics:

• Spelling mistakes and non-professional images - Closely inspect the information displayed in a pop-up. Spelling mistakes and unprofessional images could be a sign of a scam.
• Sense of urgency - Countdown timer with a couple of minutes on it, asking you to enter your personal information or subscribe to some online service.
• Statements that you won something - If you haven't participated in a lottery, online competition, etc., and you see a pop-up window stating that you won.
• Computer or mobile device scan - A pop-up window that scans your device and informs of detected issues - is undoubtedly a scam; webpages cannot perform such actions.
• Exclusivity - Pop-up windows stating that only you are given secret access to a financial scheme that can quickly make you rich.

Example of a pop-up scam:

How do pop-up scams work?

Cybercriminals and deceptive marketers usually use various advertising networks, search engine poisoning techniques, and shady websites to generate traffic to their pop-ups. Users land on their online lures after clicking on fake download buttons, using a torrent website, or simply clicking on an Internet search engine result.

Based on users' location and device information, they are presented with a scam pop-up. Lures presented in such pop-ups range from get-rich-quick schemes to fake virus scans.

How to remove fake pop-ups?

In most cases, pop-up scams do not infect users' devices with malware. If you encountered a scam pop-up, simply closing it should be enough. In some cases scam, pop-ups may be hard to close; in such cases - close your Internet browser and restart it.

In extremely rare cases, you might need to reset your Internet browser. For this, use our instructions explaining how to reset Internet browser settings.

How to prevent fake pop-ups?

To prevent seeing pop-up scams, you should visit only reputable websites. Torrent, Crack, free online movie streaming, YouTube video download, and other websites of similar reputation commonly redirect Internet users to pop-up scams.

To minimize the risk of encountering pop-up scams, you should keep your Internet browsers up-to-date and use reputable anti-malware application. For this purpose, we recommend Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.

What to do if you fell for a pop-up scam?

This depends on the type of scam that you fell for. Most commonly, pop-up scams try to trick users into sending money, giving away personal information, or giving access to one's device.

• If you sent money to scammers: You should contact your financial institution and explain that you were scammed. If informed promptly, there's a chance to get your money back.
• If you gave away your personal information: You should change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication in all online services that you use. Visit Federal Trade Commission to report identity theft and get personalized recovery steps.
• If you let scammers connect to your device: You should scan your computer with reputable anti-malware (we recommend Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows) - cyber criminals could have planted trojans, keyloggers, and other malware, don't use your computer until removing possible threats.
• Help other Internet users: report Internet scams to Federal Trade Commission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a pop-up scam?

Pop-up scams are basically deceptive messages designed to trick users into performing certain actions. For example, victims can be scared/enticed into calling fake support lines, allowing scammers remote access to their computers, making monetary transactions, disclosing private data, downloading/installing and/or purchasing software, and so on.

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

Scams are designed to generate revenue. Cyber criminals can profit by obtaining funds through deception, abusing or selling private information, promoting software, proliferating malware, and so forth.

Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?

Pop-up scams are promoted on deceptive websites, which are seldom accessed intentionally. Users typically enter them via redirects caused by webpages using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware.

I cannot exit a scam page, how do I close it?

If you cannot close a scam webpage, use the Windows Task Manager to end the process. However, do not restore the previous browsing session when opening the browser again - as that will reopen the deceptive site.

I have allowed cyber criminals to remotely access my computer, what should I do?

If you have allowed cyber criminals to access your device, the first step is to disconnect it from the Internet. Secondly, uninstall the remote access software (e.g., TeamViewer, AnyDesk, etc.) the scammers used, as they may not need your permission to re-establish access. Lastly, run a full system scan, and if any threats are detected - use an anti-virus to remove them without delay.

I have provided my personal information when tricked by a pop-up scam, what should I do?

If you have disclosed account credentials - change the passwords of all potentially compromised accounts and inform their official support without delay. However, if the data you've provided was of a different personal nature (e.g., ID card details, credit card numbers, etc.) - immediately contact the corresponding authorities.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams and the malware they proliferate?

Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning visited websites and detecting scam and malicious ones. Furthermore, it can block all access to such sites. Combo Cleaner can also detect and eliminate most of the known malware infections. It must be stressed that running a complete system scan is paramount - as sophisticated malicious programs usually hide deep within systems.

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