Windows activation scam

Call your credit card provider to contest the charges if you've already paid. Let them know what happened; they'll probably want to cancel and replace your affected cards to prevent the scammers from using them again. Help Microsoft stop scammers, whether they claim to be from Microsoft or not, by reporting tech support scams at:. Microsoft Support Global Customer Service. There are several forms of tech support scams, all of which aim to trick you into believing that your computer needs to be fixed and you need to pay for technical support services.

The classic cold-call scam. The scammers call you and claim to be from the tech support team of Microsoft or another company. They offer to help solve your computer "problems". Scammers often use publicly available phone directories, so they might know your name and other personal information when they call you.

They might even guess what operating system you're using. Once they've gained your trust, they might ask for your user name and password or direct you to a legitimate website to install software that will let them access your computer to fix it.

If you install the software and provide credentials, your computer and your personal information are vulnerable. Although law enforcement can trace phone numbers, cybercriminals often use disposable mobile phones, spoofed caller ID, or stolen mobile phone numbers. Treat all unsolicited phone calls with skepticism.

Don't provide any personal information. Warning: If you receive an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft Support, hang up. We do not make these kinds of calls. Tech support scam websites make you believe that you have a problem with your PC.

You may be redirected to these websites automatically by malicious ads found in dubious sites, such as download locations for pirated software, videos, or music. These websites may use a fake blue-screen or other system error, or a fake Windows activation dialog box to convince you that there's a problem with your PC that needs fixing.

All these techniques are meant to persuade you to call the specified tech support number. In contrast, the real error messages in Windows never ask you to call a tech support number. Some tech support scams may also come in the form of malware.

When run, this malware may display fake error notifications about your computer or software, similar to tech support scam websites.

However, because they are installed on your computer, criminals will likely use them to perform other malicious actions, such as to steal data or install other malware.

Scammers may also use other ways to reach you, such as email, text messages, or chat. These messages may resemble phishing emails; however, instead of pointing to phishing sites designed to steal credentials, the links lead to tech support scam websites. This listing might help you recognize and avoid tech support scam phone calls.

It's not a comprehensive list, just a sample of numbers that have been used by scammers in the past. Tech support scams adapt and persist in , per new Microsoft research. Need more help? Join the discussion. Was this information helpful? Yes No. Thank you! Any more feedback? The more you tell us the more we can help. Can you help us improve? Resolved my issue. Clear instructions. Easy to follow. No jargon. Pictures helped. Activation of Windows 10 on most computers occurs automatically when you connect your computer or laptop to the Internet, if the system was not activated automatically in your case, Microsoft has released several official and obviously free Windows 10 product keys.

If for some reason you did not find any key that works for you, you can download Windows 10 activator — a small program, designed for the activation of Win Enter the code you bought. The game has been activated and added to your Steam library. Run Origin and login your account. Then click 'Origin' and 'Redeem Product Code'. Please go to www. Click your account information and choose 'Redeem code'. Enter the code you bought and click 'Redeem'. Enter the key you bought and click 'Activate'.

Click 'Redeem Prepaid Card'. Enter the code you bought and Click 'Continue'. Windows