Steps to Solve the "Important Security Message - Your Computer Has Been Locked" Scam

"Important security message - Your computer has been locked. Your IP address was used without your knowledge or consent to visit a website that contains identity theft" is a fake alert that can appear on your computer screen. This scam is designed to trick you into thinking that your computer has been compromised and that you need to call a support number to receive assistance. In reality, this is a scam, and you should not call the number or provide any personal information. In this article, we will provide some facts about this scam, steps to solve it, and some related questions and their answers.

Facts

The "Important security message - Your computer has been locked" scam is a fake alert that can appear on your computer screen. This scam is designed to trick you into thinking that your computer has been compromised and that you need to call a support number to receive assistance. The scam typically claims that your IP address has been used without your knowledge or consent to visit a website that contains identity theft. Some common signs of this scam include:

  • A pop-up window that appears on your screen.
  • A loud beeping noise that accompanies the pop-up window.
  • A message that claims your computer has been locked and that you need to call a support number.

Steps to solve the "Important security message - Your computer has been locked" scam

Here are some steps to solve the "Important security message - Your computer has been locked" scam:

  1. Do not call the support number or provide any personal information.
  2. Close the pop-up window by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete or by using the Task Manager to end the process.
  3. Scan your computer for malware or viruses using reputable antivirus software.
  4. Update your antivirus software and run a full system scan.
  5. Reset your web browser settings to their default values.
  6. Clear your web browser cache and cookies.

Related questions and answers

Q. How can I prevent the "Important security message - Your computer has been locked" scam?

A. To prevent the "Important security message - Your computer has been locked" scam, you can take the following steps:

  • Use reputable antivirus software and keep it up to date.
  • Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading files from unknown sources.
  • Keep your web browser and operating system up to date with the latest security patches.
  • Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls or emails that claim to be from tech support.

Q. What should I do if I have already called the support number?

A. If you have already called the support number, you should contact your bank or credit card company to report any unauthorized charges. You should also contact a reputable computer repair service to have your computer checked for malware or viruses.

Q. How can I tell if a pop-up window is a scam?

A. To tell if a pop-up window is a scam, look for the following signs:

  • The pop-up window claims that your computer has been compromised or that you need to call a support number.
  • The pop-up window includes a loud beeping noise or flashing lights.
  • The pop-up window asks for personal information or payment.

Conclusion

The "Important security message - Your computer has been locked" scam is a fake alert that can appear on your computer screen. This scam is designed to trick you into thinking that your computer has been compromised and that you need to call a support number to receive assistance. To solve this scam, do not call the support number or provide any personal information, close the pop-up window, scan your computer for malware or viruses, update your antivirus software, reset your web browser settings to their default values, and clear your web browser cache and cookies. By following these steps and staying vigilant against scams, you can help protect your computer and personal information from cybercriminals.