Community Chat

[zitawins]

Recently, I was surfing and evidently opened a malware link. A big box appeared on my screen, allegedly from the Windows Security Center telling me to call a number because my computer had been compromised.

It looked fishy, and there was no way to close out the box. I went on my tablet and googled it and sure enough, it's a scam. The repair site told me how to go to my Task Manage and close it out. That worked, thank heaven.

Evidently, the link I chose did that to my PC, and if you call their number, they can take over your computer and get passwords, banking info, etc.

It pays to be suspicious!

[FranandZoe]

Thank goodness you were suspicious and able to fix it.  We have to be on guard about everything anymore.  Thanks for the heads up.

I've always been afraid of anyone taking over my computer - even a site I trust.

I have a good malware dectector/fixer on both computers.  The one on my laptop is free but I pay for the one on the desktop.  It's called Malwarebytes.  This is in addition to the protection I have from McAfee.  For what it's worth...

[SharkE]

All I did was search on line on how to adjust the brightnest on my new monitor and I got taken to a porno website with naked women and this booming voice came on and said to call apple. I couldn't X out of it or nothing. Had a Apple Mac Mini 'cube'.

Couldn't get any home repair person to show up they was all crooked anyway. So, I pitched that in the trash

and went to Best Buy and bought with the 2 yr Total Tech plan (extra 200) a pink Apple IMac for 1200 so with tax and all cost me 1600.

So, now I'm happy with any kind of screen, not trying to go online and seek help.

[meallen616]

@FranandZoe,

I have Malwarebytes along with Norton for many years on my computer, and, so far so good!

[jlkz]

DH had been listening to a continuing legal education required session and I want to share this info with you all...quasi scam in the " paperless context. "

When paying a bill by credit card on line, be aware that hackers can get access to your information and cause problems.  It is better to use the credit card for bill payment but with a human on the other end of the line.

Even better because some companies, I.e., insurance ones, will only do a check transfer using the bank's routing # and the # of your check.

Be wary of law offices that " go paperless " because in transferring information, hackers can get access and empty out accounts that you are responsible for.

Seems there's an unending supply of thieves out there.

[dobiesrule]

I have also gotten notices from "Microsoft" that warned me I had a virus and gave me a number to call. I exited , and called tech support and they fixed it for me. BTW, I bought my computer from Costco and they offer free tech support for as long as you own the product.  

Spoiler

[SharkE]

Tech support don't amount to much. Guy came out here I said "where's my 1200 IMAC"? He said "ain't U got it "?
I said "No, I thought you would bring it out after you transferred stuff from the MacBook Air". He said "we're not allowed to carry customers items in our cars".

Huh? so, I had to run into town to pick it up and stand in queue while the tech went on to the next job. sheesh

stuff I go thru, I tell ya'.

[chrystaltree]

That's a very old scam that I first encountered about 5 years ago on my work computer and later on my own laptop. It's scary and you panic because you have lost access to your computer. You don't think that Windows would never ask us to call some phone number. Yup, there's a million scams out there. I got a bank scam today but it was a text to my phone. Citizens bank texted that they put a hold on my account due to suspicious activity on the account. I was given a phone number to call. The problem with that is I don't have an account with that bank. I have never had an account with them.  

[geezerette]

@chrystaltree 

I got that Citizens Bank text several months ago.  We actually do have a legitimate "Citizens Bank" near me.  But I never had an account with them.