Pop-up that mimics locking your computer

Question

I saw this on the news and then it happened to me.

Yesterday I went to open the another site (that I also have Ad-blocking turned off) and a pop-up appeared saying, "Your computer is locked. Call this number and have your credit card details ready," with a lot of other official-sounding information. I didn't have SD open, but this and that other site are the only ones I allow ads on.

I apparently couldn't use my mouse at all to delete or navigate. I hit control-alt-delete (on the keyboard) and when the task bar dropped down I hit restart, then ran a scan (no viruses found). I use McAfee, which has been great for many years and runs real time scans. I also use Chrome and Windows 10.

A computer savvy friend said that this wasn't a virus, but an ad that keeps renewing itself so you can't click on anything and it looks like your computer is locked. If you call their number, your credit-card will be compromised.

Just a warning if this pops up on anyone's computers on this or any other site, and maybe either keep your pop-up blocker on just for the time being or hit control-alt-delete if it happens.

I hope this helps.

Yes, I sue Mcafee too and malwarebytes Many of these warningas are fakes/scams which try to get people to react in fear and do something that will enbaale the criminals to take control of theirPC's, but it is time for the people to fight back against - FELIZ77, Mar 9, 2017

these morons who keep trying to get our money! correction: I use (not sue lol) McAfee too - FELIZ77, Mar 9, 2017

Thanks, Feliz. I remember you warning us about computer scams a while ago. When this info is shared it empowers all of us. - Sassette, Mar 9, 2017

Thanks findy have had this , and one with continuous music that nearly sent e into the rat house . - ray76, Mar 10, 2017

Worth a badge mate. - ray76, Mar 10, 2017

Answer 1

Thank you for sharing this information with us.

I had that happen to me not long ago, but I wasn't on SD. I have windows 10 and Ad Blocker, but the Ad Blocker had nothing to do with what happened.

The message I got said it was from Microsoft, but it wasn't. I went to the Task Manager and then re-started my PC. Then I ran scans with Norton and Malwarebytes.

I found this information below about it.

The This PC Has Been Blocked screen locker is a Trojan that displays a fake security screen stating that the PC has been blocked because unusual activity was detected.

I ended up changing all my passwords, which is a good idea anyway, especially nowadays.

When it happened to me the phone number claimed it was from Windows or Microsoft. Clearly, it was not. I called to find out what they wanted to know and then I hung up. I had the strong feeling it was a scam. I restarted my P' C and ran scans. - Sassette, Mar 9, 2017

Thanks, all! - Findy, Mar 17, 2017

Answer 2

Thanks so much for this very important information. I would hope that anyone who has information like this will share it immediately on SD because I, myself, went through an experience like this last year where my computer locked up and I was urged to call some phone number to get it resolved. It was not related to ad blocker. I just tried to visit a site for goodies to use for my gaphics programs, and, bam, I got a warning message and my computer locked up. It was downright scary. I should've shared my experience on SD.

Thanks for sharing your experience, Sassette. - Findy, Mar 17, 2017

Answer 3

This is worthy of a bump.

Yeap - rac1, Mar 10, 2017

Thanks, Ray! - Findy, Mar 17, 2017