Airbook possibly hacked

Carolrae Cambianica 0 Reputation points
2026-06-04T18:57:48.6633333+00:00

I clicked on a message link on Facebook which froze my computer completely. On the screen was a recording repeating not to close my computer. It also had a number to call, which I did. Unfortunately, I don't think it was legit. The person who I talked to asked what I used the computer for. When he found out I used it only for work for a school district. He said to shut down the computer. I'm wondering what my next steps are. Thank you, CarolRae

Microsoft 365 and Office | Microsoft 365 Defender | Other | MacOS
0 comments

2 answers

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Diana Mariz 10,910 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-06-04T19:43:20.1733333+00:00

    Hi Carolrae,

    From what you describe, this appears to be a tech support scam. The pop‑up with a phone number and the warning not to close your computer is a classic tactic.

    You weren’t hacked just by clicking the link, the danger is if you installed software or gave sensitive information. Since you called the number, treat this seriously: scan for malware, change passwords, and alert your IT department. That way, you’ll be safe and your school district’s data stays protected.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments

  2. AI answer

    2026-06-04T18:58:13.12+00:00

    This behavior matches a tech support scam that uses fake security pop‑ups and recordings to scare users into calling a phone number.

    Next steps for the MacBook (Airbook):

    1. Do not call that number again or answer calls from it
      • Treat any further calls, texts, or emails from that “support” as malicious.
    2. Power the Mac back on and close the malicious page
      • If the browser reopens with the same page, immediately close the tab or the entire browser.
      • If it appears “full screen” and locked, use the browser’s close controls or force‑quit the browser from macOS.
      • This type of scam typically only affects the browser session and does not mean the device itself is hacked, especially if no remote‑access software was installed and no passwords or payment details were given.
    3. Clear browser data
      • Open the browser used when the pop‑up appeared.
      • Clear history, cookies, and cached files so the malicious page does not reload from history.
    4. Run security checks and updates
      • Ensure all security updates are applied for the operating system and browser.
      • If Microsoft 365 or Defender for your organization is in use, follow your school district’s IT guidance for running scans or checks.
    5. Inform the school district IT department
      • Because the device is used for work for a school district, report the incident to the district’s IT or security team.
      • They may want to verify the device, check for any unusual activity, and ensure compliance with district security policies.
    6. Watch for further scam attempts
      • Be cautious of future pop‑ups or emails claiming urgent problems with the device or accounts.
      • Microsoft and other legitimate tech companies do not display support phone numbers in error messages and do not cold‑call to report problems unless contact was initiated first.

    If at any point remote access was granted, software was installed at the scammer’s direction, or personal/financial information was shared, additional steps such as uninstalling any such software, running full malware scans, changing passwords, and contacting financial institutions would be required.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.