Intro

Tonight’s “video call” looked like it came from a friend. The moment you tapped Accept, your browser flipped full-screen: “Microsoft has shut down your internet. Do not turn off your computer. Call now.” That’s a classic tech-support scam—built to scare, not to help.

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What’s really happening

• It’s only a web page (often opened by the call link) that abuses pop-ups, full-screen mode, and fake Windows/Defender art.
• Microsoft/Apple/your ISP never lock your device through a browser or post a phone number to call.
• If you call, they’ll try to remote in, install “fixers,” and charge you—or steal data.

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Do this immediately (quick exit)

1. Do not call. Do not click.
2. Kill the browser.
   • Windows: Ctrl+W (close tab). If stuck, Alt+F4 or open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and End task on the browser.
   • Mac: ⌘+W (close tab). If stuck, Force Quit with ⌥+⌘+Esc.
   • iPhone/iPad/Android: swipe up and force-close the browser app.
3. Reopen safely (prevents the bad tab from restoring):
   • Windows/Mac: hold Shift while launching the browser to block session restore.
   • iPhone Safari: Settings ▸ Safari ▸ Clear History and Website Data.
   • Chrome mobile: Chrome ▸ ⋮ ▸ History ▸ Clear browsing data (Time range: All time).

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Clean up (2–5 minutes)

• Run a scan. Windows: Windows Security ▸ Virus & threat protection ▸ Quick scan (then a Full scan later). Mac/mobile: update OS; run your trusted AV if installed.
• Remove permission junk.
  • Browser Notifications/Permissions: Settings ▸ Privacy & security ▸ Site settings ▸ Notifications ▸ remove unknown sites.
  • Extensions/Add-ons: remove anything you don’t recognize.
• Messenger/Facebook safety.
  • Tell your friend their account may be compromised.
  • Facebook ▸ Settings ▸ Password & security ▸ Where you’re logged in ▸ Log out of unknown sessions; Turn on two-factor.
• If you entered info / installed software / called them:
  • Disconnect from the internet.
  • Uninstall any remote tools they had you add (AnyDesk, TeamViewer, Quick Assist sessions).
  • From a clean device, change passwords (email first).
  • Run Microsoft Defender Offline scan (Windows Security ▸ Scan options).
  • Contact your bank if you paid or shared card info.

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Prevent the next one

• Treat surprise video calls as suspect. Decline and message the friend to confirm.
• Lock calling down in Messenger: Settings ▸ Privacy ▸ Message delivery / Who can call you ▸ restrict to Friends.
• Keep autosaving tabs off if you don’t need it.
• Update OS and browsers; updates close the tricks these pages use.
• Never let strangers remote into your device. Real companies don’t cold-call you for support.

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Final Reflection

Scams run on panic. Breathe, quit the tab, then clean up. A browser page can’t “brick” your computer—but fear can make us hand over the keys.

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What I hear now

• Close first, investigate second.
• Call no numbers that pop up on a web page.
• Verify with the friend; secure your accounts; turn on 2FA.
• Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.

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