Fake Microsoft Security Alerts – how to remove scam pop-ups?

What is the scammer's goal? To steal personal data and, potentially, your money. In this guide, I’ll explain what a Microsoft Alert scam is, provide examples of phishing pop-ups, and offer tips on how to spot and avoid these scams.

If you've ever been browsing the internet and a pop-up message claiming to be from Microsoft Security Alert suddenly appeared, you may have encountered a scam. This type of malware is designed to trick you into contacting scammers by mimicking legitimate Microsoft warnings. It typically targets Windows users, aiming to convince them to call fraudulent phone numbers.

What is the Microsoft Security Alert scam?

Microsoft Security Alert scam is a fraudulent scheme that can appear in various forms, including pop-ups, emails, or other notifications. These fake Microsoft security alerts mimic legitimate Microsoft security warnings, attempting to trick users into believing that their computer or account is compromised.

The ultimate goal is to steal personal information, such as login credentials or financial data, by urging the recipient to contact a fraudulent "support" service or take other actions that expose them to risk.

These scams usually involve displaying a fake alert warning you of malware or other security risks, along with an urgent request to contact Microsoft support. However, instead of connecting you to a legitimate service, you are directed to fraudsters who will try to extort money or steal sensitive information.

Name	Microsoft Security Alert scam
Type	Tech support scam (phishing, scareware pop-ups, fake emails)
Targeted devices	Primarily Windows PCs, but other devices can be targeted
Symptoms	Sudden pop-ups, email alerts, browser redirection, system performance issues
Damage	Loss of personal data, financial loss

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How do I know if a Microsoft Security alert is real?

Without reliable antivirus software, it can be tricky to differentiate between a legitimate Microsoft alert and a scam, but there are key indicators:

• Real Microsoft alerts never include a phone number to call or ask for personal or financial information.
• If unsure, do not click any links. Instead, visit the official Microsoft website directly to check your account or contact their support team.
• Hover your mouse over any email addresses, links, and buttons to verify that they are legitimate and reference official Microsoft domains (such as microsoft.com).
• Look for spelling or grammatical errors in the alert, as scams often contain mistakes.

This is what a real Microsoft Security Alert pop-up may actually look like:

As you can see, real Microsoft alerts notify you of quarantined threats without requesting calls.

How to get rid of fake Microsoft Security Alert pop-ups

If you're seeing persistent fake Windows Security Alert pop-ups, it's likely due to malicious ads or software. Follow these steps to remove the root cause and prevent future occurrences.

1. Run a full antivirus scan

First and foremost, to ensure your system is not infected by malware, run a full antivirus scan.

1. Download a reliable antivirus program. I recommend TotalAV
2. Install the antivirus software
3. Perform a full system scan
4. After the scan, follow the instructions to quarantine or remove any detected threats

This step will remove any hidden malware or adware that could be causing the alerts.

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2. Clear and reset your browser

The second step is to clear your browser’s stored data and reset its settings, which can remove the pop-ups. I'll guide you through the process using Chrome, as it's the most widely used browser:

1. Open your browser, click on the three dots at the top of the screen and go to Settings
2. Click on Privacy and security and then choose Clear browsing data
3. Select All time as the time range and check the boxes for Browsing history, Cached images and files, and Cookies
4. After clearing the data, return to Settings and scroll down to click Reset settings. Then, select Restore settings to their original defaults

This will help clear any malicious files or scripts that could be causing the pop-ups.

3. Remove suspicious extensions and programs

Sometimes, malicious extensions or software cause these pop-ups. Here’s how to remove them manually.

1. In Chrome, click the three dots at the top of the browser
2. Select Extensions and click on Manage Extensions
3. Review the list of installed extensions and remove anything unfamiliar or suspicious
4. On Windows, go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program. Look for any programs that seem suspicious or unknown and uninstall them

Removing suspicious software and extensions helps stop the pop-ups from being triggered.

4. Install an ad blocker

To prevent future pop-ups, install an ad blocker, which can block malicious ads.

1. Choose an ad blocker. I recommend Total Adblock, now 80% OFF
2. Visit the provider's website, download and install the app or the browser extension
3. Launch the app or the browser extension and enable the ad blocker

Using an ad blocker will prevent many fake alerts and malicious ads from appearing in the future.

How can I protect my PC against viruses?

To safeguard your PC from future Microsoft Security Alert scam emails and other threats, follow these tips:

• Avoid clicking on unknown or suspicious links in emails, pop-ups, or websites
• Protect your system with a trusted antivirus like TotalAV to prevent malware and phishing attempts
• Make sure your Windows Firewall is active to block unauthorized access
• Regularly update your operating system and software to ensure you have the latest security patches
• Wherever possible, enable 2FA for an added layer of security for your accounts
• Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and never reuse the same password across multiple accounts.

Conclusion

Fake Microsoft Security Alerts are a common scam, similar to Windows Defender security scam, designed to trick users into giving away personal information or money. Using a reliable antivirus program is crucial for detecting and removing the malware responsible for these pop-ups. Additionally, clearing your browser and removing suspicious software are essential steps if you encounter this scam.

Staying cautious is key – never interact with the pop-ups or call the provided numbers. Instead, rely on trusted antivirus software, like TotalAV, to secure your system. Regularly updating your software and remaining aware of these scams will help protect both your personal data and your computer from future threats.

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