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.
I already changed my password/bank info. Did not do it from my home computer. Federal Credit Union - they were great in helping me. Have nothing else on the home computer re: passwords except for email. Can I restore to an earlier date from yesterday? How did they know my license number?
This is REQUIRED, not optional. They have already installed the remote control software ["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"].
It likely shows up as legitimate software, so anti-virus software will likely not even catch it.
I had a call last week from ‘Windows security’ claiming they had detected a problem with my PC and Windows.
The guy barely spoke English, first clue.
After I questioned him just to make clear what he was talking about (IO knew it was BS but wanted to draw him in) I dropped the bomb on him.
All my computers are Macs.
That shut him up.
I do have a PC for my wife to play legacy games on, not connected to the internet though.
If you do that, it seems like one or more of them could be corrupted, and you will just be saving some malware possibly.
It’s the same license number for everyone using that SKU of Win 7.
If you sign up you’re a fool.
Next time, ask them to wait a minute while you ping your NSA monitor to verify their location.
It’s a scam. A boiler room operation in India.
I know literally dozens of people who have gotten these calls.
It is NOT Microsoft! Hang-up and don’t give them any info.
I am guessing that this action is when they got your license number, and I don't know exactly how.
You'd be surprise how fast you hear a click, LOL!
Total scam, run Malwarebytes as others have said.
At shift change I think they move from Microsoft imposters to Canadian Pharmacy imposters.
I let them do their canned speech and then tell them they are a liar.
Last one got really mad and threw a string of obscenities at me to which I responded "And Jesus loves you too."
Malware can easily corrupt the restore. Don't try to fix it using common tools. They already know about those and work around most. The first thing to do is disconnect from the internet and leave it disconnected until it is clean or rebuilt. Next use autoruns to shut off all the oddball startup programs (you'll have to use a usb stick). At that point you can try to update / repair using normal tools (e.g. restore from a backup)
I appreciate your input but I have no clue what you are talking about re: autoruns, usb stick. I’m an old lady who is not computer savvy by any stretch of the imagination. :)
Once you have unplugged from the network, you will need to transfer the cleanup programs via USB stick after you download them on a different computer. Autoruns is one of the cleanup programs (doesn’t clean but does turn bad stuff off). Autoruns is not for you (from your description of yourself), but it works in almost all situations.
My girl scout uniform, do you want the cookies mister?
bump
Is the India scammers more interested in getting money from me or reading my email? Other than family pictures, there is nothing on my computer that would be remotely interesting for these monsters.> I was thinking that I would start up the computer tonight and “see” how/if it works before I disconnect from the Internet. I’m hoping that since “she” said she would call me back on Friday to download the software (when she’s expecting payment)that they have not yet locked my computer. I’ll disconnect the Internet and her busy on the phone for awhile and then tell her my computer crashed and I have a blue screen....If I disconnect from the Internet, they would have no way to lock my computer, right?
True, but it could be timed to "lock" in a few days or so whether or not it is connected. The reason why I suggest disconnecting is because when it is on the network it is their computer, not yours, plus malware can automatically download newer, worse malware and run it.
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