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Firefox 45 update caused Windows 10 critical error scam

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  • Last reply by John99

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After Firefox did an automatic upgrade to version 45 yesterday a message appeared saying there was a critical problem with Firefox and Windows 10 and that if I closed Firefox I would lose everything on my computer. The message said to call an 800# for Microsoft support to fix the problem. I was terrified and called. I was told the company that answered my call, Avionsz, is a Microsoft Certified Partner with certified technicians. They showed me that computer was being hacked and that for $399.99 they could fix it. For fear of losing everything I paid. I think this was a scam. Has anyone else experienced anything similar to this?

After Firefox did an automatic upgrade to version 45 yesterday a message appeared saying there was a critical problem with Firefox and Windows 10 and that if I closed Firefox I would lose everything on my computer. The message said to call an 800# for Microsoft support to fix the problem. I was terrified and called. I was told the company that answered my call, Avionsz, is a Microsoft Certified Partner with certified technicians. They showed me that computer was being hacked and that for $399.99 they could fix it. For fear of losing everything I paid. I think this was a scam. Has anyone else experienced anything similar to this?

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Sorry. Unfortunately definitely a scam. You are probably lucky they did not damage your computer. You should certainly now scan with all the tools listed in this article

Many countries have somewhere that you may report scams to the authorities. For instance

Such sites often include advice and tips. Also see our general articles

You also need to contact your bank or credit card companies. If the scammers have your details they may continue until they empty your accounts or at least take more payments at a later date. Maybe you agreed to a $399.99 annual service.


Most of the above is outside the scope of this forum. We will however try to help you with Firefox and any malware you now have that impacts Firefox.