Help I think Ive been hacked

geegerbee · ‎03-09-2010

I don't know who to ask or what to do. I could no longer print wirelessly from my laptop as I did before so I went to HP to get help. The AI bot asked me some questions about my problem then said she would transfer me to a technician. The technician said he was a Microsoft authorized technician and would take over my computer to look for the problem. Then he pointed out several drivers that have stopped working and said there were several foreign ip addresses. Then he asked for $60 to pay for a software update and more for a firewall necessary to clean my computer. That's when I said no, I would have to think about it. I think he has all my information now. So I restored my computer to 2 days ago, but my passwords etc. would still be the same. I deleted his ultraview program but figure he probably recorded my info. I have over 200 programs which would be difficult to change all those passswords, Should I take my laptop to the Geeksquad or something? I feel so stupid. I don't know what to do first.

qvcaddition · ‎03-10-2010

@geegerbee

@geegerbee wrote:
I don't know who to ask or what to do. I could no longer print wirelessly from my laptop as I did before so I went to HP to get help. The AI bot asked me some questions about my problem then said she would transfer me to a technician. The technician said he was a Microsoft authorized technician and would take over my computer to look for the problem. Then he pointed out several drivers that have stopped working and said there were several foreign ip addresses. Then he asked for $60 to pay for a software update and more for a firewall necessary to clean my computer. That's when I said no, I would have to think about it. I think he has all my information now. So I restored my computer to 2 days ago, but my passwords etc. would still be the same. I deleted his ultraview program but figure he probably recorded my info. I have over 200 programs which would be difficult to change all those passswords, Should I take my laptop to the Geeksquad or something? I feel so stupid. I don't know what to do first.

I had something similar happen to me on my Chrome last year. I went to the Geek Squad and they said yes, I had been hacked. The young lady cleaned my chrome. She saw how old I am and how upset I was and looked very stress and did not charge me anything. Normaly its 140. dollars.
Then I went to my bank and changed my account numbers. I had to contact all my accounts and give them new bank number and just took all the next day. I also had to call my retirement and SS, it was a mess.
I through it was a real tech helping me, but the clue was when he wanted me to go into play station and wanted my cell phone. I don't do anything on my cell, but text. I had a hellava couple of days.
I don't have anyone to help me, so it was alot for me.
I hope you were not hacked, but change whatever you can.

FancyPhillyshopper · ‎05-02-2017

Perhaps the posters who have these tech problems should take some training classes on how to avoid these situations.

AARP offers cyber security and fraud protection workshops.

Tori3569 · ‎06-27-2010

First of all, you initiated the contact, so why do you think they would hack you? It's also understandable if Microsoft would charge for the work. Was there something I missed?

If I were you, I'd call Microsoft back and ask them to confirm you were speaking with a real employee and ask them to review the solution for accuracy.

If it gives you peace of mind you can always go to the geek squad before too much time passes.

geegerbee · ‎03-09-2010

I contacted HP, not Microsoft. It was through a chat that popped up using AI. I think it was fraudulent because I shouldn't have let him control my computer. That happened to me several years ago when I contacted a popup on Dell's website. But it is a good idea to contact HP to verify.

icezeus · ‎10-30-2010

Not sure what conveniences are close to you, but before I replaced my computer if I had issues I would take it to Staples, they had a tech help program that I paid for. Take your computer in and see someone face to face and have them work on it.

I also saw where someone mentioned the geek squad as another option available through best buy.

You will have to pay a little money but the peace of mind would be priceless.

CalminHeart · ‎03-09-2010

Clear your cookies, history, cache.

Download and run a high quality, reputable malware program.

If you can't run a malware program or running one doesn't help, get an appt with Geek Squad and don't use your device until then.

I'd be very careful using that device. If you accidentally reached a fake HP company, they may already have access.

** Even after fixed, start changing your passwords, especially banks and those that have your credit/debit card info. Changing passwords is better than having your bank accounts stripped clean.

CalminHeart · ‎03-09-2010

@FancyPhillyshopper wrote:

Perhaps the posters who have these tech problems should take some training classes on how to avoid these situations.

AARP offers cyber security and fraud protection workshops.

Getting hacked can happen to anyone, even the smartest techie.

jlkz · ‎12-02-2013

@geegerbee @icezeus @Tori3569

Since you each mentioned Geek Squad at Best Buy, I wouldn't put off going there...there was a mention on radio news that Best Buy was possibly downsizing the Squad and other cost cutting things.

Staples has been our go-to for computer assistance here and in FL during the winter. They have more stores available and we have gotten very good customer service.

Hope that helps.

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.
Sir Winston Churchill

Tori3569 · ‎06-27-2010

@geegerbee wrote:
I contacted HP, not Microsoft. It was through a chat that popped up using AI. I think it was fraudulent because I shouldn't have let him control my computer. That happened to me several years ago when I contacted a popup on Dell's website. But it is a good idea to contact HP to verify.

I guess I didn't read your post carefully enough. In that case, I'm on my way to getting my computer reviewed and hopefully restored. Probably not a good idea to chat with a supposed Microsoft tech on the HP site.