Can't delete a SPAM email

Delete the message from the mailbox’s message list without opening or previewing it, preferably from another device or a private browser window, so the malicious content cannot trigger the pop-up.

Remove the message safely

Since the usual Delete, right-click, and folder-emptying methods have already triggered the problem, use a path that does not display the message:

1. On a phone, tablet, or another trusted computer, open the email provider’s official app or type its website address directly into the browser.
2. Sign in normally. Do not follow any link from the unwanted email.
3. In the message list, select the checkbox beside the message from Lucas Smith. Do not select the subject or open the message.
4. Choose Report spam, Report phishing, or Delete from the toolbar.
5. Open Trash/Deleted Items and permanently delete it, again using its checkbox rather than opening it.

If another device is unavailable, open a private browsing window on the current computer, sign in directly to the email provider, and perform the same checkbox-based removal. Phishing messages can contain links to malicious websites, so do not reply, use an “unsubscribe” link, open an attachment, call a displayed number, or enter information into the page that appears.^1^

If the warning or webpage locks the computer

Do not unplug the computer. End only the browser or email app:

1. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc.
2. In Task Manager, select Processes.
3. Right-click the affected browser or email app and select End task.
4. Reopen it, but decline any option to restore the previous tabs or session.

Microsoft documents this procedure for an unresponsive Edge pop-up.^2^

If the email is being viewed in a browser, clear that browser’s cookies and cached files afterward. Also remove notification permission for any unfamiliar website and disable any extension you do not recognize. A persistent scam page can be retained by browser data, site permissions, or an unwanted extension.^3^

Check Windows for malware

A pop-up does not by itself prove that Windows is infected, but run an offline scan because the computer became unresponsive:

1. Save all open work.
2. Open Start → Windows Security.
3. Select Virus & threat protection → Scan options.
4. Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) → Scan now.
5. The PC will restart, scan outside normal Windows, and restart again.
6. Review the result under Windows Security → Protection history.

The offline scan is intended for suspected exposure and makes persistent malware more difficult to hide.^4^

If any password, payment information, or personal information was entered into the pop-up, immediately change the affected passwords from a different trusted device, enable multifactor authentication where available, and contact the relevant bank or card provider.^1^

References

1. Protect yourself from phishing
2. How to close a pop-up window if Microsoft Edge isn't responding | Microsoft Support
3. Screen locked and asked to contact a Microsoft number to walk through solving the problem. Ran defender and malware Bytes, to no avail. - Microsoft Q&A
4. Virus and Threat Protection in the Windows Security App | Microsoft Support