Winnebago County, WI – Residents across Winnebago County and surrounding Wisconsin communities are being warned about a surge in fake Microsoft tech support pop-up scams designed to create panic and pressure victims into taking immediate action.
According to the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office, these scams typically appear as sudden pop-up messages on a computer screen claiming the device has been “compromised” or “infected.” The alerts often display official-looking logos, flashing warnings, and a phone number urging users to call for “immediate assistance.”
Authorities say the goal is to scare users into handing over personal information, granting remote access to their computer, or paying unnecessary fees to scammers posing as Microsoft technicians.
The Sheriff’s Office shared several key steps residents should take if they encounter one of these pop-ups:
- Force restart the computer and close the browser after rebooting
- Do not interact with the pop-up in any way
- Do not click links or call phone numbers shown on the screen
- Run a security scan or contact a trusted local IT professional for help
Officials stress that legitimate companies like Microsoft do not use unsolicited pop-ups to warn users of infections or request phone calls.
Law enforcement also encouraged residents to share the warning with friends and family, especially older adults who are often targeted in tech support scams. Even those familiar with online threats may have loved ones who are not.
Anyone who believes they may have interacted with a scam or provided information is urged to report the incident to local authorities and monitor financial accounts closely.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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