Windows defender hacking support by microsoft engineers

Anju Joglekar 0 Reputation points
2026-04-03T19:31:55.8633333+00:00

My dell laptop was hacked this morning and it locked my computer. My screen showed a phone number for Windows defender 833-926-2515. I called that number which at some point made me wonder if I was talking to hackers. The people I talked with said they were microsoft engineers. Could you check if this phone number is valid for Microsoft? Thanks

Microsoft Security | Microsoft Defender | Microsoft Defender for Identity

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  1. AI answer

    2026-04-03T19:32:09.25+00:00

    The phone number shown in the “Windows Defender” lock screen is part of a tech support scam, not legitimate Microsoft support.

    Key points based on Microsoft guidance:

    1. Genuine Microsoft error or warning messages never include a phone number to call.
    2. Microsoft does not make unsolicited calls or display phone numbers in pop‑ups to offer to fix a device.
    3. Pop‑ups that lock the browser or screen and demand a call to “Windows/Microsoft support” are a known scam pattern. They often falsely claim to be from Microsoft Defender or Windows Defender.
    4. If a screen like this appears again, close the browser (Alt+F4) or use Ctrl+Alt+Del → Task Manager and end the browser process. Do not call the number, do not give remote access, and do not provide payment or personal information.
    5. If there was any interaction (remote access granted, software installed, or payment made), immediately contact a trusted local technician or official Microsoft Support, change passwords from a clean device, and contact financial institutions if payment details were shared.
    6. The incident can be reported to Microsoft at https://www.microsoft.com/reportascam and, if needed, to local law enforcement.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  5. Pauline Mbabu 1,840 Reputation points Microsoft Employee
    2026-06-04T15:10:00.6733333+00:00

    Hi @Anju Joglekar ,

    This is a follow-up on the response above. If it helped answer your question, kindly mark it as Accepted Answer.

    If you need more help, please share additional details in the comments.

    Thanks!

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