I have a message on my computer that says it is locked by Windows Defender
Hello, thank you for using Howly. I’ll be happy to help you out! May I ask your name?
*****
Nice to meet you, *****!
Could you explain where exactly you see that message?
I received a message from Windows Defender Security around 12:30pm - New Orleans time that says my computer is locked. I called the service number ***** and spoke with *****. He said I had to provide payment for service and the work would begin. It is now 12:30am and my computer is still locked. Was this legitimate?
I can't tell you for sure now
I need a bit more info from you, *****
Are you able to send me a picture of that message from Microsoft Defender?
Yes! When I take the picture of the message do I send it on a text message?
To attach pictures to our chat, you need to press the paper clip button in the lower right corner of the chat window. Then you have either to choose an image on your device or take a photo right away. Then confirm sending.
Visitor uploaded: image.jpg
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Size: 5211337
Thank you, *****!
Great, you got it
Please, follow the instructions below:
- Turn off your computer. If you can't reach the Start menu, please, turn it off using the power button.
- Turn the computer back on, but don't open the browser yet. Tell me if you see the same window
OK!
I will be waiting here
I'm sorry to tell you that, *****, but it is most likely a scam.
Warnings from Microsoft Defender don't usually provide a phone number, and Microsoft representatives would not ask for payment.
But I can help you get rid of this error, so you will be able use your computer again
OMG!!! I will contact my bank immediately in the morning! OK! I do need help with getting my computer from being blocked!
Yes, calling your bank would be a right thing to do
Have you restarted your computer already?
Yes! Right now my laptop is showing my icons! I have not pressed anything
So, no warnings?
Not yet! Should I go to my Edge browser?
Yes, please
If you see a prompt asking "open recently closed tabs?" choose "no"
OK! Edge is open but nothing showing any warnings or unusual messages
Ok, that is a good sign
I also recommend you clean your browser history for today:
- In Microsoft Edge, select Settings and more > Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, select Choose what to clear.
- Select a time range from the Time range list (you can choose just for today)
OK, give me a few minutes please!
Sure, take your time
I chose‘last 24 hrs’ . Is that a good one!
Yes, absolutely
OK! The buffer wheel is turning!
It just stopped turning!
So, what do you see now?
I am back at the ‘clear browser data’ Looking for’browser history’
It could be that everything is cleared already, and that's why it stopped turning
Ok! Went to check list and found ‘history’ ! Should I click
Yes, please
And check the date of the last site listed there
Got it!
If the date of the last site visited is 10/06 or earlier - all clear
Yes, the date at the top is Oc. 6th
Ok, good
I don't think you will see that error again, *****
OK! I got out of settings and I am back on the Edge browser and so far no error warning!
Great!
Is there anything else I can do for you today?
I really appreciate your help! Looks like that ———
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