Navigating the “Your Computer Has Been Locked Up” Virus: A Personal Encounter

Recently, my wife encountered a troubling issue with her computer—a pop-up warning claiming that her system had been locked and urging her to contact a specific phone number: 833-324-0303. Upon calling the number, the individual on the other end identified himself as a Microsoft representative, which raised immediate red flags for both of us.

While she was on the phone with him, I suggested that she restart her computer, which is often the simplest fix for such issues. When she inquired about the company’s official website to verify his claims, the caller dismissed her concern, stating, “This is the way we do it—having a site doesn’t help.”

Ultimately, my wife followed my advice and restarted her Apple computer, and to our relief, the ominous warning disappeared. This incident reminded me of similar experiences I’ve had with my Windows machines over the years, where I’ve faced similar pop-ups. In those cases, a simple shutdown has always resolved the problem.

I’m curious to hear from others who may have experienced this type of cyber nuisance. Have you encountered similar scams? How did you handle them? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you for reading!