$12.5B
FTC-reported fraud losses in 2024
FTC says consumers reported losing $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024.
fake blue screen of death scam
Malicious websites or software trigger a fake Windows blue screen error with a tech support phone number, tricking victims into calling scammers.
“tech support scam”
↑ 336%Key indicators
Usually targetsWindows users
Often hitsTech workers and developers
Common regionUnited States
Last updated2026-04-04
Estimated impact
$1.2K
median reported loss
Typical range$120 – $30K
Recovery rate~20%
Annual reports37,560
Scam breakdown
1
Victims visit a malicious website or click a deceptive ad that triggers a full-screen fake blue screen
2
The fake error displays a tech support phone number and warns of data loss if the computer is shut down
3
Callers are connected to scammers who demand payment for fake repairs and request remote access
What to do first
Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete or force-restart the computer as real blue screens never include phone numbers
Related terms
fake BSOD scamblue screen phone number scamWindows crash screen fraudTech support scamsBrowserSurgingWindows usersNon-technical usersOlder adultsTech workers and developersRetirees and seniorsUnited StatesUnited KingdomAustraliafake BSOD scamblue screen phone number scam
Real-world example
How this scam plays out in practice
Based on reported patterns. Names and details are illustrative.
The setup
Olga, 35, a windows users, encountered what appeared to be a legitimate tech support scams situation while using Browser. Victims visit a malicious website or click a deceptive ad that triggers a full-screen fake blue screen
Step 2
What happened next was calculated: The fake error displays a tech support phone number and warns of data loss if the computer is shut down
Step 3
The pressure escalated quickly: Callers are connected to scammers who demand payment for fake repairs and request remote access
The outcome
Olga realized something was wrong when blue screen includes a phone number, which real windows error screens never display. By that point, significant damage had already been done — money sent, personal information shared, or trust exploited.
The lesson
Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete or force-restart the computer as real blue screens never include phone numbers Olga's experience shows why blue screen includes a phone number, which real windows error screens never display and screen appears while browsing the web rather than during a genuine system crash are the clearest early warning signs.
How to identify it
- Blue screen includes a phone number, which real Windows error screens never display
- Screen appears while browsing the web rather than during a genuine system crash
- Computer's mouse and keyboard still function, unlike a real system crash
- Pause before paying, clicking, or sharing information. Scammers rely on speed.
- Verify the sender, company, or agency using a phone number or website you already know is legitimate.
- Treat secrecy, urgency, and off-platform payment requests as strong scam signals.
What to do now
- ✓Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete or force-restart the computer as real blue screens never include phone numbers
- ✓Clear your browser cache and run a legitimate antivirus scan after restarting
- ✓Report the scam website URL to your browser vendor and the FTC
What to save before reporting
- ✓Save the message, profile, phone number, email, or URL that was used.
- ✓Keep payment confirmations, receipts, and account alerts before you dispute or delete anything.
- ✓Write down the timeline while the details are still fresh.
How big is this problem
You are not alone — this scam affects millions of people.
These numbers come from government agencies and official reports. If you have been affected, know that this is a widespread problem — not something that only happens to careless people.
FTC 2024 fraud losses
Imposters
Most common FTC fraud category in 2024
FTC says imposter scams remained the most commonly reported fraud category in 2024.
History and evolution
- This scam family tends to persist because the social-engineering pressure works even when the exact scripts, platforms, and payment methods change.
- The specific packaging evolves over time, but the core pattern usually stays the same: create urgency, control the channel, and push action before verification.
- Microsoft confirms that legitimate Windows error screens never display phone numbers and warns users to disregard any error message that does
Recovery and follow-up
- ✓Save the messages, receipts, account alerts, and transaction details before you block or delete anything.
- ✓Report the scam through the official platform or government channel that best matches where it happened.
- ✓Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete or force-restart the computer as real blue screens never include phone numbers
- ✓Clear your browser cache and run a legitimate antivirus scan after restarting
- ✓Report the scam website URL to your browser vendor and the FTC
Why this pattern keeps working
Even when the story changes, most scams still use the same pressure pattern: urgency, authority, and a request to move money or data fast.
Microsoft confirms that legitimate Windows error screens never display phone numbers and warns users to disregard any error message that does
OpenScam research
Where to report it
If you have been targeted by this scam, reporting it helps authorities track the pattern and protect others. United States has dedicated agencies that handle fraud reports.
ReportFraud.gov
Federal Trade Commission
Central U.S. consumer fraud reporting portal.
File an IC3 complaint
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
FBI portal for internet-enabled crime reports.
Start identity theft recovery
IdentityTheft.gov
Official U.S. identity theft recovery plan builder.
Explore further
Understand the bigger picture
Who is most at risk
Who this scam targets
Primary targets
Windows users, Non-technical users, Older adults
Geographic concentration
United States, United Kingdom, Australia
Primary channel
Browser — Tech support scams
Why this group is vulnerable
Windows users are particularly vulnerable because this scam exploits trust in familiar brands, authority figures, and time-sensitive decisions. The rapid increase in reports suggests that awareness among this demographic remains low.
Sources and methodology
How we verify this information
OpenScam tracks scam patterns using a combination of government consumer protection databases (FTC, IC3, Action Fraud), platform-specific fraud reports, and verified consumer complaint data. Each entry is cross-referenced against at least two independent sources before publication.
Severity ratings are based on financial impact potential, reversibility of damage, and volume of reports across multiple reporting channels. Trend velocity reflects the rate of change in report volume over the most recent 90-day window.
This page was last verified on 2026-04-04. Red flags, recovery steps, and reporting resources are reviewed quarterly against current agency guidance.
Evidence and indicators
- Microsoft confirms that legitimate Windows error screens never display phone numbers and warns users to disregard any error message that does
Source notes
- OpenScam research
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about fake blue screen of death scam
How does the fake blue screen of death scam work?+
Victims visit a malicious website or click a deceptive ad that triggers a full-screen fake blue screen The fake error displays a tech support phone number and warns of data loss if the computer is shut down Callers are connected to scammers who demand payment for fake repairs and request remote access
What are the warning signs of fake blue screen of death scam?+
Blue screen includes a phone number, which real Windows error screens never display Screen appears while browsing the web rather than during a genuine system crash Computer's mouse and keyboard still function, unlike a real system crash
What should I do if I encounter fake blue screen of death scam?+
Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete or force-restart the computer as real blue screens never include phone numbers Clear your browser cache and run a legitimate antivirus scan after restarting Report the scam website URL to your browser vendor and the FTC
Who is most at risk for fake blue screen of death scam?+
This scam primarily targets Windows users, Non-technical users, Older adults. It is most commonly reported in United States, United Kingdom, Australia and typically appears on Browser.
Is fake blue screen of death scam getting worse?+
fake blue screen of death scam is currently surging — reports are increasing rapidly. It has been reported across US, UK, AU. Last updated 2026-04-04.
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Help someone avoid this scam.
Scammers succeed because people do not talk about it. If you or someone you know has been affected, there is no shame in it — it happens to millions of people every year. Share this page with friends and family so they know what to look for.