Microsoft Warns: Fake Blue Screen of Death with 1-800 Number is a Scam

Microsoft has warned that scammers are trying to trick users with a fake "Blue Screen of Death" error message. The idea is to fool users into calling a bogus 1-800 tech support hotline.

The Blue Screen of Death is an unofficial name given to a particular type of error message which appears when a Windows computer suffers a serious malfunction. In most cases, once the screen appears the only option is to reboot the computer, usually by switching it off with a physical power button or by resetting the machine with a reset button (if it is available).

The idea of the screen is to give some indication of what the particular fault is. In the past, the screen was criticized for containing confusing technical jargon that didn't mean much to the average user, though Microsoft redesigned it for Windows 10 to include details which either explained the problem or could be passed on to a computer expert for more precise advice.

Screen Follows Fake Security Download

The new scam is actually a piece of malware dubbed Hicurdismos. It appears to be distributed mainly by scammers who disguise it as Microsoft Security Essentials, a standalone security program for Windows 7 and earlier. That seems to be a deliberate attempt by the scammers to target people who are actually seeking to secure their machines. (Source: zdnet.com)

Hicrudismos is set up to stop the user being able to access the Task Manager. It also stops the mouse cursor appearing on screen. Both of these tactics are designed to create the false impression the computer has indeed crashed.

The on-screen message is closely modeled on the genuine Blue Screen of Death from Windows 10 and includes an error code that users can search for online. Unlike the real messages, this bogus one includes a 1-800 phone number to call for fake support.

Scammers Manning Bogus Hotline

This appears to be the purpose of the scam. Exactly what happens when people phone the number isn't detailed by Microsoft, but bogus support staff will likely attempt to trick victims into downloading (and perhaps paying for) additional "security software" which compromises the PC further and may include spyware that tries to steal passwords or personal data. From there, scammers might also try to persuade the victim to pay for additional fixes.

Microsoft says its genuine error messages will never include a support phone number. It also says its SmartScreen tool built into several Microsoft browsers and other applications should identify the original download of "Microsoft Security Essentials" as bogus. (Source: microsoft.com)

What's Your Opinion?

Have you spotted a bogus "Blue Screen of Death" notice? Would you know how to tell if such a message was genuine? Has Microsoft done enough to warn users about the issue?