07/31/2026
SCAM ALERT: Microsoft Pop-Up & Gift Card Scam Reported
The Charlevoix Police Department has recently received reports of the Microsoft pop-up scam targeting area residents once again.
Victims report receiving a pop-up message on their computer/tablet/phone claiming their device has been infected with a virus or that their Microsoft account has been compromised. The message instructs them to call a phone number for "technical support."
This is a scam.
Once you call, the scammer may:
🔹 Claim your computer has been hacked.
🔹 Ask for remote access to your device.
🔹 Instruct you to purchase gift cards to "fix" the problem or pay for security services.
🔹 Claim your name or financial accounts are being utilized for illegal activities,
Remember: No legitimate company—including Microsoft, Apple, your bank, or any government agency—will ever ask you to pay with gift cards.
Gift cards are the most common payment method requested by scammers because the money is nearly impossible to recover once the card information is shared.
If you encounter one of these pop-ups:
✅ Do not call the phone number displayed in the pop-up.
✅ Do not click on any links or buttons within the pop-up.
✅ Click the "X" to close the pop-up. If it won't close, restart your computer.
✅ Do not allow anyone remote access to your computer.
✅ Do not purchase gift cards to pay for computer support, security services, or pay fines.
✅ Never send a wire transfer to anyone you do not personally know.
✅ If you believe your computer has a legitimate issue, contact a reputable local computer repair or technical support company directly—not the number provided in the pop-up.
If you believe you've been targeted or have already provided information or payment, contact your local law enforcement agency and report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
