Disconnect your computer from the network right now and leave it diconnected while you try to salvage what files you can from it and buy another computer. Or call someone who knows what they are doing. Those are your two choices.
Not to mention, I'm the paranoid type when it comes to this stuff. I wouldn't trust that PC anymore after you gave them remote access. God only knows what else they were doing that you couldn't see. If it were mine, I'd format and re-install the OS now.
When he calls back on Friday, ask him if his mother raised him to be a scumbag criminal scammer.
1. Sign up at MajorGeeks.com
2. Logon and go to the Malware Removal Subforum
3. Create a New Thread and describe your symptoms as accurately as you can.
4. Do what they tell you to do - EXACTLY
4. It may take a day or two but they will clean your computer of any viruses or malware. They have never failed to do so for me. Very, very professional help and it is FREE. And note that they supply all of the analysis and reporting tools that you need as freeware that is available on their website.
Another ‘after’ recommendation FOR EVERYONE.
After you get it back it shape, of course, backup your data files frequently. If the data is worth saving on your hard drive, it is worth backing up to external drives, as well.
And, consider making an ‘image’ backup of your hard drive occasionally (after major software updates or semi-annually). Windows Backup does imaging. So do several ‘free for home use’ software companies. I currently use Macrium Reflect.
http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx
Microsoft don’t call you. I is a scam.
windows 8 crashed for me. took it to the computer guy - he told me basically to take it out in the woods and use the .22 and put it out of its misery. there was something that got through with the kasperskys 2015 software - malware virtually destroyed everything. Operating with Windows 7 on laptop now awaiting a new desktop computer to arrive! DO NOT USE Kasperskys 2015.
I’ve gotten about 15 calls from them. The interesting thing is that they never mention the word “Microsoft”. The first time they called I knew it was a scam. Now, my wife and I both give them an ear full.
I’m not an expert, but I recommend that you run, not walk to some credit protection agency such as Lifelock and sign up for a credit protection service. (I don’t know anything about Lifelock either) make your own choice. They already have everything that you had on your computer.
This is what hackers call “social engineering”, when they call you on the phone pretending to be someone else to get information/money from you. They are not from Microsoft, they are scam artists who probably already have spyware and viruses on your computer.
Your best bet is to wipe the machine. Backup your important files, then reformat the hard drive and reinstall Windows and your software.
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 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.
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."
bump
If you have been hacked, you can notify the authorities. The phone number should be traceable.
If they are holding your OS hostage, that is probably criminal (since they are extorting money to ‘fix’ it back).
The call was a scam. You should never follow along with such a thing. If you feel you do need to do so, get the extension number they are at, get the company phone number from elsewhere, call the company directly (in this case, Microsoft) and ask for the extension, in order to verify. But I can tell you right now that no legitimate security company does this type of service call.
NEVER allow access to your computer, unless you absolutely and positively KNOW the company/tech. N-E-V-E-R.
Since you have allowed it, and since you allowed them to install software on your computer, it is HIGHLY suspected that you are now infected. You must take your machine to a serious service tech (one recommended to you by someone you trust that would know such a person) and have it very meticulously diagnosed. At worst, this is going to be a rub and reload. A competent tech will assist you to make sure your data is safe through the a process.
I see you have notified your bank. GOOD. Follow their instructions. Be aware of ANY credit card that you may have used to purchase things online anywhere - ANY such needs to be notified, as those numbers are saved in the machine (and thereby accessible to the scammers). Be aware of any personal documents stored on the machine that might contain your social security number or other ID associated numbers that might allow ID-theft. IF such exist onboard the machine, IF you have ever entered your social security number, or some state ID number online, then there may be further risk (contact such agents as necessary and inform them of the risk so they can be alert) - BUT, usually, these scams are meant to lead you down the garden path, going no further than trying to sucker you into paying them.
You do not need to move.
You do not need to change your phone number.
You do not have to change all your bank accounts (unless the bank says to)
You do not need to buy a new computer.
Rule of thumb for EVERYTHING......never do business with any unsolicited incoming call.
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