HP Computer Scam Calls

cheriere · ‎12-01-2023

This past Christmas I got my mom the HP TSV computer. She's not very mobile, so she's on it watching things most of the time.

Yesterday evening, it just suddenly went off and shut down. When she tried to start it back up there was a message supposedly from Microsoft Windows with a phone number to call. She called it. I wasn't aware of this at the time. I walked in at the end of the call.

Anyways, they explained to her the computer had viruses and it would cost $100 for them to remotely fix it so she could use it again. She told them she didn't have $100 and hung up the phone when I told her it was a scam!

The computer started up as normal and she's been on it watching Netflix since. However, I'm now concerned they are able to get her online banking information as well as other accounts she has on there. Is anyone familiar with what we should do, if anything since this happened? I'm nervous about this. Thanks

millieshops · ‎03-09-2010

@cheriere I've had that scam 3 different times. I bought a Geek Squad deal that's still in place and they walked me through a quick lift of the scam. I hadn't called the number, but the Geek helping me told me if I ever clicked on a potential scam, I should immediately change the passwords of any account that was involved.

I changed the account I used to pay for the new computer and the Geek Squad membership even though it probably wasn't necessary that day. I am alert enough still to know that sometimes I do cause my own issues!

cheriere · ‎12-01-2023

@millieshops I've heard of the Geek Squad. Sounds like I need to get them for her computer. We'll go over her accounts on there today and change all of her passwords too. I appreciate this information. I didn't know what kind of protection to get.

I nearly fell over when I walked in and saw what was going on with this phone call. It's amazing how these scammers can just take over a computer to cause it to shut down completely. My moms sister had her bank account drained twice. Knowing this, I was sure she wouldn't call any of these numbers. But because they were able to shut her computer down, she thought it was legitimate.

Estellee · ‎07-12-2011

@cheriere I am not certain but I think as long as your mom didn't give them access to her computer remotely which probably wouldn't happen unless she agreed to pay the ransom. If she has any payments stored on her computer I agree to change her passwords, it wouldn't hurt! If you would, let us know what happens, this is a learning experience.

cheriere · ‎12-01-2023

@Estellee wrote:
@cheriere I am not certain but I think as long as your mom didn't give them access to her computer remotely which probably wouldn't happen unless she agreed to pay the ransom. If she has any payments stored on her computer I agree to change her passwords, it wouldn't hurt! If you would, let us know what happens, this is a learning experience.

The only time she's ever given remote access to her computer was to HP when setting it up. She called the number in the manual that came with the computer because she couldn't get something to work. This still a

ways scares me though.

We're definitely going to change passwords. All of her banking information is on there. Plus, Netflix, telephone, WiFi, satellite. I'm not even sure what else 😳.
I will post updates. I sure hope nothing's been taken. The reason I posted about this is because I wanted to let others know this is going on right now, so please BEWARE.

Estellee · ‎07-12-2011

@cheriere I have a friend that fell for the scam, paid the ransom and gave them access to her computer. She said she got so nervous by the noise the computer was making and the message on her screen, she just wanted it to stop. I believe if they can't get access to the computer they can't harm it. Sounds like you are on top of it changing all the passwords. Good luck, keep us posted if you can

cheriere · ‎12-01-2023

@Estellee I will definitely keep everyone posted. I really appreciate your sharing this story with me too. It's easy to understand why people do give in to this.😊❤️

Estellee · ‎07-12-2011

@cheriere wrote:
@Estellee I will definitely keep everyone posted. I really appreciate your sharing this story with me too. It's easy to understand why people do give in to this.😊

@cheriere It's just awful and it seems to happen to older individuals that aren't aware that this type of thing happens so often.

cheriere · ‎12-01-2023

@Estellee wrote:
@cheriere wrote:
@Estellee I will definitely keep everyone posted. I really appreciate your sharing this story with me too. It's easy to understand why people do give in to this.😊

@cheriere It's just awful and it seems to happen to older individuals that aren't aware that this type of thing happens so often.

You're exactly right. It had my mom tore all to pieces after I explained it to her. So sad they try to take advantage of the most vulnerable.😔

m0rgan · ‎09-30-2012

I would also remove any credit cards that may be stored on her computer. I always remove my credit cards after each and every purchase just to be sure. It is a pain but a bigger one to have cancel credit cards and bank accounts. I remove from QVC, Walmart, Target, Amazon and anywhere else I can. Someone tried to use my credit card on Amazon and they caught it but it was still scary. It means you have to have your credit card next to you when you purchase and then remove again when item is shipped. Worth it to me!