It says it’s been frozen by Microsoft. Do not switch off and to phone a certain telephone number for help. Nothing works not even the mouse. Is this a scam
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: My Mac has been frozen
iPad, iPadOS 18
Definitely a scam!
U. S. Federal Trade Commission – How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Tech Support Scams
"Tech support scammers may try to trick you with a pop-up window that appears on your computer screen. It might look like an error message from your operating system or antivirus software, and it might use logos from trusted companies or websites. The message in the window warns you about a security issue on your computer and tells you to call a phone number to get help.
…
If you get this kind of pop-up window on your computer, don’t call the number. Real security warnings and messages will never ask you to call a phone number."
Microsoft Support – Avoid and report Microsoft technical support scams
"Important: Never call a number provided in an error message. Genuine Microsoft error messages never include a phone number to call."
Definitely a scam!
U. S. Federal Trade Commission – How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Tech Support Scams
"Tech support scammers may try to trick you with a pop-up window that appears on your computer screen. It might look like an error message from your operating system or antivirus software, and it might use logos from trusted companies or websites. The message in the window warns you about a security issue on your computer and tells you to call a phone number to get help.
…
If you get this kind of pop-up window on your computer, don’t call the number. Real security warnings and messages will never ask you to call a phone number."
Microsoft Support – Avoid and report Microsoft technical support scams
"Important: Never call a number provided in an error message. Genuine Microsoft error messages never include a phone number to call."
Did you try to press and hold the Power Button, until the Mac shuts down?
Ways to start up your Mac - Apple Support
After that, start it up again in Safe Mode, to let the Mac diagnose itself:
Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support
If the iMac works after that, restart it normally
The only numbers from Microsoft that are trustworthy:
For general Technical Support in the United States, you can call 1-877-696-7786 or 1-877-345-2661. If you need Business or Sales support, you can reach Microsoft at 1-800-642-7676.
Anything else, check if it appears on Microsoft's page before trusting it.
The only reason you should get a Microsoft number is if Microsoft Office or Edge or other Microsoft product crashes. When running most apps on a Mac, you won't run into Microsoft's number.
Is it a scam if my Mac shows a Microsoft freeze warning and phone number?
