Do not trust fake "Microsoft Windows Locked Due To Unusual Activity" sites
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of scam is "Microsoft Windows Locked Due To Unusual Activity"?
Our researchers discovered the "Microsoft Windows Locked Due To Unusual Activity" technical support scam while investigating suspicious websites. This scheme masquerades as Microsoft's website warning visitors of system infections. The goal is to deceive victims into calling the fake support line and entangling them in a complex scam.
"Microsoft Windows Locked Due To Unusual Activity" scam overview
This scam is presented as Microsoft's official site displaying multiple pop-up windows. The multitude of alerts and a system scan warn visitors of various threats present on their devices. Throughout the scam, users are urged to contact "Microsoft Support" for aid in removing the malware and unlocking their computers.
The scheme is initiated once a victim calls the fraudulent support line. Typically, the scammers – who pretend to be support – request to connect to callers' devices remotely. Once remote access is established, cyber criminals can cause a variety of serious problems.
Threats posed by tech support scammers
Technical support scams usually involve remote access that can be facilitated using legitimate software like UltraViewer, TeamViewer, etc. Once connected, scammers continue pretending to provide tech support.
In fact, they can disable/remove genuine security tools, install fake anti-viruses, steal sensitive information, and introduce actual malware into systems (e.g., trojans, ransomware, cryptominers, etc.). Targeted data can include personally identifiable details, log-in credentials, and finance-related information.
Furthermore, the "services" of technical support scammers tend to be exorbitantly priced. Difficult-to-trace methods like gift cards, cash hidden in packages and shipped, cryptocurrencies, and similar are commonly used – hence, chances of prosecution and fund retrieval are significantly diminished.
For more information on how to recognize these scams, their mode of operation, and associated threats – you can read our dedicated article.
To summarize, by trusting a scam like "Microsoft Windows Locked Due To Unusual Activity" – users can experience system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
Should it be impossible to exit a scam page – end the browser's process using Task Manager. Remember to start a new browsing session when relaunching the browser, as the previous one includes the deceptive website.
If you have allowed scammers to access your computer remotely – you must first disconnect it from the Internet. Afterward, uninstall the remote access program that the scammers used, as they might not need your consent to reconnect. Lastly, perform a full system scan with an anti-virus and eliminate all detected threats.
If you have disclosed your log-in credentials (e.g., by entering them into a phishing site/file, etc.) – change the passwords of all possibly exposed accounts and inform their official support without delay.
However, if you have provided your personally identifiable or finance-related information to scammers (e.g., ID card details, passport photos/scans, credit/debit card numbers, etc.) – immediately contact the appropriate authorities.
| Name | "Microsoft Windows Locked Due To Unusual Activity" tech support scam |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Fake Claim | System is infected with trojan-type spyware and has been locked for security purposes. |
| Disguise | Microsoft |
| Tech Support Scammer Phone Number | +1-855-446-0025, +1(866) 546-0518, +1-833-412-3677 |
| Related Domains | amsrire.z13.web.core.windows[.]net |
| Detection Names | Google Safebrowsing (Phishing), Netcraft (Malicious), Yandex Safebrowsing (Phishing), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address | 57.150.27.164 |
| Symptoms | Fake error messages, fake system warnings, pop-up errors, hoax computer scan. |
| Distribution methods | Compromised websites, rogue online pop-up ads, potentially unwanted applications. |
| Damage | Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft, possible malware infections. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Technical support scam examples
We have investigated countless online schemes; "(5) Virus/Malware infections have been detected", "Virus Alert (05261)", and "Error Updating Software: #009292w099738H98" are just a few of our latest articles on tech support scams.
The Internet is rife with deceptive and malicious content. Scams can vary greatly in appearance and used mechanisms, yet their end goal is the same – to generate revenue at victims' expense. Due to how widespread this content is on the Web and how well-crafted it can be – we highly recommend exercising caution when browsing.
How did I open a scam website?
Online scams are most commonly promoted through websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads (malvertising), spam (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, social media posts, browser notifications, etc.), misspelled URLs (typosquatting), and adware.
How to avoid visiting scam websites?
Caution is paramount to online safety. Therefore, be wary of adverts and sites making promises that sound too good to be true. Pay attention to URLs and enter them carefully. Do not use websites offering pirated content or other dubious services (e.g., Torrenting, illegal streaming/downloading, etc.), as these webpages are usually monetized via rogue advertising networks.
Do not enable questionable pages to display browser notifications; ignore or deny these requests (i.e., click "Block", "Block Notifications", etc.). Be vigilant with incoming emails and other messages; do not open attachments or links present in suspect/irrelevant mail.
Download only from official/verified channels and approach installations with care (e.g., study terms and options, use "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of supplementary apps, extensions, etc.) – to prevent bundled/hazardous software (like adware) from infiltrating the system.
If your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate all threats.
Text presented in "Microsoft Windows Locked Due To Unusual Activity" scam's topmost pop-up:
Virus Alert !!
Microsoft Wind0ws locked due to unusual activity.
Your system has been reported to be infected with Trojan-type spyware.
For assistance, contact Microsoft Support
+1-833-412-3677
The appearance of "Microsoft Windows Locked Due To Unusual Activity" pop-up scam (GIF):
Another variant of "Microsoft Windows Locked Due To Unusual Activity" pop-up scam:
Text presented within:
Microsoft Windows locked due to unusual activity.
Error: Ox800xdfySecurity Privacy
Networks are safe
Virus free
14 outdated apps19 privacy settings to fix
434 browser cookies[Fix issues] [Show details]
Your system has been reported to be infected with Trojan-type spyware.
For assistance, contact Microsoft Support
Yet another variant of "Microsoft Windows Locked Due To Unusual Activity" pop-up scam:
Text presented within:
Admin Login
Windows locked due to unusual activity.
Please log in again using your Microsoft ID and password.
For assitance, contact Microsoft Support
+1(866) 546-0518
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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Quick menu:
- What is "Microsoft Windows Locked Due To Unusual Activity" tech support scam?
- 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 deceptive messages designed to trick users into performing specific actions. For example, victims can be lured into calling fake helplines, allowing cyber criminals to access devices remotely, downloading/installing software, making monetary transactions, buying products, disclosing information, subscribing to services, and so on.
What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?
Pop-up scams aim to generate revenue at victims' expense. Cyber criminals primarily profit by acquiring funds through deception, promoting content (e.g., sites, programs, products, services, etc.), selling/abusing private information, and distributing malware.
Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?
Pop-up scams are primarily endorsed via malvertising, spam (e.g., emails, SMSes, PMs/DMs, browser notifications, social media posts, etc.), webpages using rogue advertising networks, typosquatting, and adware.
I cannot exit a scam page, how do I close it?
If you cannot close a deceptive webpage – end the browser's process using Task Manager. Keep in mind that restoring the previous browsing session when reaccessing the browser will reopen the scam site. Hence, start a new one when relaunching the browser.
I have allowed cyber criminals to remotely access my computer, what should I do?
If you have permitted cyber criminals to access your computer remotely – firstly, disconnect it from the Internet. Secondly, remove the remote access software that the scammers used, as they might not need your permission to reconnect. Lastly, perform a complete system scan with an anti-virus and eliminate all detected threats.
I have provided my personal information when tricked by a pop-up scam, what should I do?
If you have provided your log-in credentials – change the passwords of all potentially compromised accounts and inform their official support. However, if you've disclosed other private data (e.g., ID card details, passport scans, credit card numbers, etc.) – contact relevant authorities without delay.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams and the malware they proliferate?
Combo Cleaner is designed to eliminate all manner of threats. It can scan visited websites for deceptive/malicious content and restrict all further access to these pages. Combo Cleaner can also detect and remove practically all known malware infections. It must be stressed that performing a complete system scan is essential since high-end malicious programs usually hide deep within systems.
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