This is more of a malware warning than a scam, but it might help someone...
If you use the Firefox browser, watch out for this pop-up scam.
Scammers are actively exploiting a bug in Firefox that causes the browser to lock up after displaying a message warning the computer is running a pirated version of Windows that has been hacked.
The message, which appears without any user interaction upon visiting a site, reads:
Please stop and do not close the PC... The registry key of your computer is locked. Why did we block your computer? The Windows registry key is illegal. The Windows desktop is using pirated software. The Window desktop sends viruses over the Internet. This Windows desktop is hacked. We block this computer for your safety.
A telephone number is then given, which you have to call "within 5 minutes to prevent your computer from being disabled"...
It's obviously a scam, but it's designed to make you panic and call the number, so DON'T call it.
Because Firefox usually re-opens with the same tab active, just shutting down Firefox and restarting it probably won't help much unless you're quick enough to close the tab before it has time to load.
One comment offers the following advice to overcome that problem...
Disconnect from the network before relaunching Firefox. That will prevent the offending site from loading, allowing one to safely close the tab.
I’ve had 3 automated calls today from the tax office telling me that I will be prosecuted for tax evasion and then they give a number that I should ring to sort it out.
Well, they can go fly if they think I’m stupid enough to ring a number which will probably cost £100 a minute. It’s good to know that robots have now got into the spam calling scenario.
I've had two recorded calls in the last week to tell me my Amazon Prime fee of £39 will taken automatically on my card shortly and to contact Amazon if I don't want this to happen. I can't remember if it gave a number to ring because I hung up.
I'm not sure if it's a scam to get my card details or not, I got tricked into selecting Prime about a year ago and cancelled it a couple of days later. I've only used Amazon once since then I think, I've checked my account and it says I don't have a Prime subscription, so I wondered if it may be a marketing ploy to encourage me to contact them to see they can talk me into it again.
They will certainly hear from me if they do take an unauthorised payment!
I’ve just paid mine and it was £79. Amazon take it automatically once a year. The scammers are missing out if they only want £39, unless that’s for six months.
Mine was an email from Sherman K Dewing telling me there had been unusual traffic on my account and giving me a link to click on. I checked my authentic PayPal account to make sure all was well and it was.
One who tried it on with me a while back on eBay had actually hijacked a genuine persons account to buy through. I suspected them from the start and reported it. I daresay some people get careless if the buyer is offering double what you are asking if they can pay you direct through PayPal.
I just received an automated message saying HMRC have taken out a warrant for my arrest! Very officious he was. Stern, like it was a very serious matter I'm just glad the warrant wasn't for pole dancing on New Year's Eve.