Today I got a call from one of my clients saying he was stuck on a web page and couldn’t do anything. It was just a few days ago that I connected remotely to clean his computer. Today when I connected there was a message on his screen saying “Windows has detected the Zeus virus, your data and identity are in danger of being stolen. Call this number for help.” That whole thing of coarse was a hoax! It had locked down his computer for ransom! His computer froze as soon as I launched my cleanup tool. There was no choice now but to go to his house to deal with it. Upon arrival at his home I inserted my special USB drive tool, started his computer from it, and scanned his system for the bad guys. Before I got there he had already restarted his computer but as soon as he logged on, the malware would lock the screen with the call this number message, he was stuck! It took about an hour and a half, scanning all your files can be time consuming! In the end though, he had a clean smooth running computer and we had used the time to learn about online safety. If you ever get a call or receive a message that claims to be from Microsoft or Windows just know that’s bologna! Don’t fall for this scam and call or let anyone you don’t know and trust onto your computer. If your browser seems locked do ctr/alt/delete to bring up the task manager, locate your browser there and see if you can end task. Then try and run your antivirus/anti-malware program and not restart your computer till after that. Sometimes though, it takes professional tools and some know how to get rid of these things! Safe surfing!
Hello this is Windows ….
“Hello, we are calling from Windows and your computer looks like it is infected. Our Microsoft Certified Technician can fix it for you.”
This scam and others have been around for years yet people are still falling for it. They will usually say we’re from Windows or Microsoft, followed by your computer is causing problems on the Internet. Then they have the unsuspecting victim type in some commands which seem to prove that yes indeed my computer is infected. The other scam I’ve been seeing is the customer will get a flashing notice with loud beeps saying their computer is infected, dial this number. Of coarse they offer to fix the problems for so many dollars. You may want to pass on this information to the more mature people in your circle. Check out this link for more info-