topic Re: New Computer Scam in Community Chat

New Computer Scam

CLEM — Mon, 21 May 2018 23:10:10 GMT

At least it is new to me and I have never heard or read about it.

This morning I was on the computer, when all of a sudden my screen was filled with this huge message from Microsoft Edge .

There were several squares with messages including: Your computer has been compromised by someone using your IP address. Please call Microsoft Edge immediately. Everything looked very official. Then this female voice came on using an urgent tone telling me to be sure to call (it was a 877 number) immediately and absolutely do not turn your computer off.

The voice kept droning on and on. I could not x out of anything. So I just turned the computer off. Turned it back on and everything was still there including the voice. There was no way to turn it off. So I turned the computer off again and just went about my day.

When I turned the computer on again about 6-7 hours later, it all was gone.

I am pretty sure this is a scam. Perhaps everyone already knows this already, but I thought I am going to post it anyway in case someone like myself can benefit from it.

Re: New Computer Scam

OKPrincess — Mon, 21 May 2018 23:15:05 GMT

I fell for the scam last year. Anyway took my laptop to Geek Squad and have them fix any damage done. Geek Squad told me to ignore and turn it off. It’s not official even though it looks that way. I felt so stupid because I knew in my heart not to call. Yes great reminder to those unaware. @CLEM

Re: New Computer Scam

this is my nic — Mon, 21 May 2018 23:23:05 GMT

Yes, it's a scam. I received a phone call from someone stating they worked at Microsoft and were calling me about a problem. I knew that Microsoft wouldn't be making phone calls, so I told this character that he had no idea what I had on my computer. He was persistent! I finally told him I knew that I was being scammed and would report it to my state Attorney General's office. When I called the AG, consumer affairs, I was told that it definitely was a scam. What happens if they convince someone that it's legit, they tell the person that they can fix the problem if they are allowed access to their computer. They then install "ransom wear", and charge you to get rid of it.

Sadly, many older people fall for this. What these scammers don't realize is that today's older folks are quite savvy!

Re: New Computer Scam

CLEM — Mon, 21 May 2018 23:23:31 GMT

@OKPrincess I can see people falling for it. It really looks so authentic. What sort of tipped me was the voice that was sort of intimidating.

I am glad you got everything straightened out.

Re: New Computer Scam

OKPrincess — Mon, 21 May 2018 23:28:15 GMT

@CLEM wrote:
@OKPrincess I can see people falling for it. It really looks so authentic. What sort of tipped me was the voice that was sort of intimidating.

I am glad you got everything straightened out.

Thank goodness no harm done but I went through quiet an ordeal. I’m ashamed I fell for it. Anyway that was last year.

Re: New Computer Scam

deepwaterdotter — Mon, 21 May 2018 23:29:50 GMT

Good information to know, thanks for posting.

Re: New Computer Scam

phoenixbrd — Mon, 21 May 2018 23:32:06 GMT

Yup @CLEM my favorite little piggy. I've had this happen and it took a couple of weeks before it stopped happening. Yes, I had sound effects and all....very alarming. Take a deep breath and know this is a scam. We had a hard time getting it off the screen, but know that if you don't react it will go away. Scammers are sending out bait....just relax and don't bite!

Re: New Computer Scam

NicksmomESQ — Mon, 21 May 2018 23:45:26 GMT

It happened to DH a few months ago.He panicked & came running to get me.I turned the computer off & restarted it.Problem gone!!

Re: New Computer Scam

kermiefrog — Mon, 21 May 2018 23:53:23 GMT

Thank you very much for the warning. I had not heard of this scam. We have to look out for each other!

Re: New Computer Scam

LyndaGee — Tue, 22 May 2018 00:13:40 GMT

I received a message - It even said: "Invalid Scam" on the Caller-ID. I saved the message, in case the AG needs evidence. I want these jerks caught and prosecuted.

Re: New Computer Scam

loveschocolate — Tue, 22 May 2018 00:14:06 GMT

@this is my nic, I got that phone call today. They left a message. I deleted it. I knew they would not call.

Re: New Computer Scam

shopperqvc — Tue, 22 May 2018 00:18:46 GMT

@this is my nic I got the same call. I said yes I need help and you will need my passwords. They are drop dead and I hung up. The caller sounded like an asian woman and I haven't heard back from her so far. I'm sure another one will try again.

Re: New Computer Scam

Nightowlz — Tue, 22 May 2018 00:28:39 GMT

@CLEM Next time something happens try clicking on Ctrl Alt Delete keys at the same time. It should bring up your task manager. Click on Task Manager & click on the window you want closed like your Edge Browser, click end task.

Usually if it won't let you close the page this method works.

I had the same thing happen but no voice that I know of but I keep the volume turned down unless I need it.

Re: New Computer Scam

this is my nic — Tue, 22 May 2018 02:18:34 GMT

Loveschocolate, That's astonishing that they left a message! Too bad you deleted it, it might serve as evidence. These people are relentless! I normally don't answer my phone if I don't know the name or number on caller ID, but this must have had some ID that made me answer.

Re: New Computer Scam

chrystaltree — Tue, 22 May 2018 02:38:58 GMT

Yes, that's an old tactic to gain access to your computer. I first had it happen to me about 5 or 6 years ago. It happened a couple of times after that. Honestly, it's a clumsy scam and I would assume that most people would know better than to call the number. A message like that doesn't make any sense. I think I was nervous the first time because I couldn't exit or sign off. I just let the charge run out and it was fine when I charged up and signed on. I rebooted and had tech support check for malware or malicious software. There wasn't any. There probably would have been if I called that number. I never had the audio but I might have had the sound off.

Re: New Computer Scam

LTT1 — Tue, 22 May 2018 06:20:12 GMT

@CLEM @chrystaltree @this is my nic @Nightowlz @shopperqvc

A family member somehow fell for it and paid $300 to “them” to “fix” their laptop.

Then, it happened again three weeks later. Geek Squad

Re: New Computer Scam

denisemb — Tue, 22 May 2018 06:31:05 GMT

@CLEM I have not experienced your issues online, but the Microsoft scam calls bring out the worst in me. I like playing with them.

1. "We don't have a computer..." (hang-up by MS)

2 "We don't run Microsoft, We run Linux" (hang-up by MS)

3. (My favorite) "We just bought this house new 2 years ago and our windows are fine!? " (Another hang-up.)

Haven't had any calls in awhile...( I at least feel I'm taking some of their time from bothering other people.

Re: New Computer Scam

meallen616 — Tue, 22 May 2018 10:41:58 GMT

@CLEM,

Thanks for posting this info. Sometimes people go into panic mode and may do something foolish!

Re: New Computer Scam

Krimpette — Tue, 22 May 2018 11:21:17 GMT

I use a MacBook Pro. A week or so ago, I had a glaring message on my screen that three viruses were detected, blah, blah, blah. All looked very "official". I turned off the computer, waited a few minutes then turned it back on. Did a Malwarebyte scan. Nothing found. All is well. (Thankfully!). But those pop-ups sure do get your attention!!!! Scary stuff!

Re: New Computer Scam

PilatesLover — Tue, 22 May 2018 13:01:24 GMT

I got several voice mails recently, supposedly from the IRS. The beginnig was always cut out, but essentially I was going to be taken into custody if I didn't call and "resolve the problem." I didn't believe it for a minute but I feel bad for any gullible person who calls back and gives their SSN.

I did reverse phone lookups on each one, indicating they were high risk spam. And each one came from a different state! All southern states.