Microsoft took over my computer and said a Trojan horse took over - restart - when I try to sign out it won’t let me - turn off turn on it is still there - wants me to call number
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
MacBook Air (2018 – 2020)
Sheltag wrote:
Microsoft took over my computer and said a Trojan horse took over - restart - when I try to sign out it won’t let me - turn off turn on it is still there - wants me to call number
Do not call the number. The message is not from Microsoft. It is from criminals. The number will connect you to them so that they can rip you off. They will, of course, pretend to be "tech support," but they will be lying.
Federal Trade Commission – How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Tech Support Scams
"Tech support scammers may try to trick you with a pop-up window that appears on your computer screen. It might look like an error message from your operating system or antivirus software, and it might use logos from trusted companies or websites. The message in the window warns you about a security issue on your computer and tells you to call a phone number to get help.
…
If you get this kind of pop-up window on your computer, don’t call the number. Real security warnings and messages will never ask you to call a phone number."
Sheltag wrote:
Microsoft took over my computer and said a Trojan horse took over - restart - when I try to sign out it won’t let me - turn off turn on it is still there - wants me to call number
Do not call the number. The message is not from Microsoft. It is from criminals. The number will connect you to them so that they can rip you off. They will, of course, pretend to be "tech support," but they will be lying.
Federal Trade Commission – How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Tech Support Scams
"Tech support scammers may try to trick you with a pop-up window that appears on your computer screen. It might look like an error message from your operating system or antivirus software, and it might use logos from trusted companies or websites. The message in the window warns you about a security issue on your computer and tells you to call a phone number to get help.
…
If you get this kind of pop-up window on your computer, don’t call the number. Real security warnings and messages will never ask you to call a phone number."
Start up in Safe Mode:
Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support
If you only see the message when opening Safari, then hold the Shift key when clicking on Safari to open it to the home page.
If you see the message without using Safari, then provide the free Etrecheck report and we can advise you on which files to delete.
Microsoft Support – Protect yourself from tech support scams
"Scammers might also initiate contact by displaying fake error messages on websites you visit, displaying support numbers and enticing you to call. They may also put your browser in full screen mode and display pop-up messages that won't go away, apparently locking your browser. These fake error messages aim to scare you into calling their "technical support hotline".
Important: Microsoft error and warning messages never include phone numbers."
How to Remove Trojan Horse Virus from Mac?
