Posted on 02/25/2015 5:15:58 AM PST by GYPSY286
I need some advice from Freeperland folks who are savvy with computer issues. Last evening, I received a call from a "Windows Security Center". They knew my name and obviously my phone number. Gave me a spiel that Windows software security had been compromised/corrupted and according to their records, knew I had Windows 7. To prove they were legit, they had me start my computer and prompted me through a series of commands to bring up my specific Windows license number. She read it off and that license numbers was listed on my machine. She prompted me to run a program which showed a long list (2,400+) events under the EventR which apparently showed many "Warnings". She then had me go to www.fastheal.net and click on Technician No. 3 for remote access. Yes, I know I should not have done this. Technician performed a scan (which took about 8 minutes) and the last line in the scan stated that Windows software was corrupted. She offered to remove the Windows software with new/updated software, anti-virus software, etc. etc. Said it would take about 90 minutes to remove all the "junk" files" (946 of them). They want $100 for five years service (or $285 for lifetime sevice). I knew better than to give them any bank/credit card info over the phone. If my computer has been hacked, I won't give them info online either. I told her I wanted to "think about it". She's supposed to call me back on Friday.
Not a computer geek here but they call me too and tell me they are getting an error message from my Window OS .I let them go through the spiel and then tell them I have a Mac..they hang up just as maybe you should have done
These people are scammers. DO NOT TELL THEM ANYTHING. They will remotely take over your computer and hold it hostage when you give them access.
If you are concerned about malware, Malwarebytes is a premier program...and its free.
http://www.scambook.com/company/view/115605/FastHealnet
FastHeal.net received their first complaint on 03/12/2013.
Information about FastHeal.net was first submitted to Scambook on Mar 12, 2013. Since then the page has accumulated 4 consumer complaints. On average users reported $100.00 of damages.
Company Information
Address:
3524,Silverside Road
Suite 35B
Wilmington DE 19810
Website:http://fastheal.net
Phone:(888) 347-6357, (855) 573-7130
Email:
Additional Employees: No known Employees
suggest you download and run malwarebytes free install, to see if there is anything lurking on the pc that needs to be removed.
Had exactly the same telephone call yesterday.
I asked the caller what part of India or Pakistan he was calling from and then hung up.
This is a total scam. Microsoft calls no one out of the goodness of their harts to provide support. I work in IT and have seen this rip off many times. Next time they call ask them for a call back number and mailing address and watch them scatter.
It is a complete scam. They are trying harvest as much PII off your machine as possible.
I few weeks later I spoke to my sister who lives in another state and she said she also had a call from someone who allegedly worked at Microsoft. They also had noticed that her computer had an error which they could fix if she would give them access. She denied it.
I have helped many older ladies who fell for this or similar scam. They have likely installed remote software on your PC. Find someone who can clean this up for you. Malwarebytes is a good start (along with other anti-virus and similar), but you may want to even consider going back to a restore point.
You were smart not to pay. About half the ones I have help have already paid. But you still have to clean up. Good luck.
I have no advice, Gypsy.. but thank you for posting this info. It will make all of us more aware.
It’s a scam. They’ve probably put some nasty stuff on your computer.
If you are a member of a local church, ask if they know anyone who can help you. I’ve helped a couple of people.
This happens in the workplace quite a bit.
More here:
http://www.tempusfugit.ca/sitewatch/fastheal_net.html
You need to run an anti-malware program right now, if not sooner.
This is a scam. Tell all your friends and family that NO REPUTABLE FIRM will ever use such a tactic.
Had they followed the default MO, they would have directed you to a website to download software that would have permitted remote operation of your PC, including full access and keyloggers.
My advice in response to such calls: Play along up to the point that they want $$ or direct you to a website, then ask,
“I thought i should inform you that this call is being recorded for the FBI. May I get your name again?”
They wont call back.
IMHO: Sign up with Life Lock (or another trustworthy ID protection place) ASAP. You’ve probably already been compromised. Install Win 8, too.
Thanks.
Tell them to go to hell. It’s BS.
I just read that you permitted remote access.
PC is FUBAR. Change ALL of your logons and passwords and protect your bank info, plus put a security hold on your credit. Buy a new PC or pay someone to “nuke & pave”.
(your identity could be at risk)
Oh, and seriously consider dumping your landline...if you’re getting more than one call like this, you’re “on their list”...
Check with your homeowners’ insurance carrier for ID Theft protection. For us, it is a $25/year rider on the policy. They assigned an agent to work with us to clean up the theft of my husband’s id. Long story short, ten people in 2013 had a FABULOUS Christmas - we started getting the calls for payment a couple of months later. Insurance company cleaned it all up - though it took several months.
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