Open Task Manager by right-clicking the taskbar and then clicking Start Task Manager.This step is needed if the malicious “ACTION CENTER” pop-ups will not allow you to close your browser.

After remote access is gained, the scammer relies on confidence tricks typically involving utilities built into Windows and other software in order to gain the victim’s trust to pay for the supposed “support” services, when the scammer actually steals the victim’s credit card account information. The scammer will typically attempt to get the victim to allow remote access to their computer. Please call us within the next 5 minutes to precent your computer from being disabled or from any information loss. You must contact us immediately so that our expert engineers can walk you though the removal process over the phone to protect your identity. Your computer has alerted is that it has been infected with a Spyware and risk ware. If you close this page, your computer access will be disabled to prevent further damage to our network. Please call us immediately at:ĭo not ignore this critical alert. Windows Defender found some Malicious Spyware/Riskware. Virus protection is turned off on Monday. The “ACTION CENTER” pop-up will have this message: In reality, though, they will only be greeted with people who are trying to sell them unneeded support contracts and services. It does this to try and scare the infected user into calling one of the listed numbers in order to receive support. The bogus “ACTION CENTER” alert is shown in such a way as to trick the user into thinking their computer has crashed or that a virus has been detected on the computer.

Treat all unsolicited phone calls or pop-ups with skepticism.

Microsoft does not send unsolicited email messages or make unsolicited phone calls to request personal or financial information or fix your computer. These “ACTION CENTER” alerts are nothing more a scam.

Windows action center notifications