Malware that locks computer
I paid to have malware removed several months agoby a local techie who put Webroot on my computer. Today, the malware returns- it states that you must call an 855 number for help- ofcourse I did not call. I immediately did a webroot scan- no malware was found. Help!
Hi stryker
Welcome to the Community Forums.
THIS IS A SCAM!! No reputable company sends emails, pop ups, or phone calls of any kind advising that you may have a problem.
If you clicked anything links, allowed them to remote into your computer, or went to any web sites please Submit a Support Ticket ASAP.
If you would like more information, read on (After submitting that Support Ticket.....)
NEWS ARTICLE: Tech Support Scams are on the rise.
Microsoft never issues this type of warning or email or anything of a sort! Please see the following link for Microsofts official word on this:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/avoid-phone-scams.aspx
"Neither Microsoft nor our partners make unsolicited phone calls (also known as cold calls) to charge you for computer security or software fixes.
Cybercriminals often use publicly available phone directories so they might know your name and other personal information when they call you. They might even guess what operating system you're using.
Once they've gained your trust, they might ask for your user name and password or ask you to go to a website to install software that will let them access your computer to fix it. Once you do this, your computer and your personal information is vulnerable."
Also see Avoid scams that use the Microsoft name fraudulently
http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/msname.aspx
For more information here iwhat the United States Federal Trade Commission has to say on the subject::
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0346-tech-support-scams
"In a recent twist, scam artists are using the phone to try to break into your computer. They call, claiming to be computer techs associated with well-known companies like Microsoft. They say that they’ve detected viruses or other malware on your computer to trick you into giving them remote access or paying for software you don’t need.
These scammers take advantage of your reasonable concerns about viruses and other threats. They know that computer users have heard time and again that it’s important to install security software. But the purpose behind their elaborate scheme isn’t to protect your computer; it’s to make money."
This scam is common and has been around for quite a while. Here is a good Webroot Blog article from April 2013 by Threat Researcher Roy Tobin.
http://www.webroot.com/blog/2013/04/30/fake-microsoft-security-scam/
In relation to the malware that you believe is back on your system it is most likely due to a PUA or Potentially Unwanted Application that has managed to slip onto your system bundled with a recent download of usually a perfectly legitimate application but from a 3rd party site rather than the actual author's own or recommended site.
If that sounds familiar then post back and we can provide guidance on how to look for that.
Hope that helps?
Regards, Baldrick
Welcome to the Community Forums.
THIS IS A SCAM!! No reputable company sends emails, pop ups, or phone calls of any kind advising that you may have a problem.
If you clicked anything links, allowed them to remote into your computer, or went to any web sites please Submit a Support Ticket ASAP.
If you would like more information, read on (After submitting that Support Ticket.....)
NEWS ARTICLE: Tech Support Scams are on the rise.
Microsoft never issues this type of warning or email or anything of a sort! Please see the following link for Microsofts official word on this:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/avoid-phone-scams.aspx
"Neither Microsoft nor our partners make unsolicited phone calls (also known as cold calls) to charge you for computer security or software fixes.
Cybercriminals often use publicly available phone directories so they might know your name and other personal information when they call you. They might even guess what operating system you're using.
Once they've gained your trust, they might ask for your user name and password or ask you to go to a website to install software that will let them access your computer to fix it. Once you do this, your computer and your personal information is vulnerable."
Also see Avoid scams that use the Microsoft name fraudulently
http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/msname.aspx
For more information here iwhat the United States Federal Trade Commission has to say on the subject::
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0346-tech-support-scams
"In a recent twist, scam artists are using the phone to try to break into your computer. They call, claiming to be computer techs associated with well-known companies like Microsoft. They say that they’ve detected viruses or other malware on your computer to trick you into giving them remote access or paying for software you don’t need.
These scammers take advantage of your reasonable concerns about viruses and other threats. They know that computer users have heard time and again that it’s important to install security software. But the purpose behind their elaborate scheme isn’t to protect your computer; it’s to make money."
This scam is common and has been around for quite a while. Here is a good Webroot Blog article from April 2013 by Threat Researcher Roy Tobin.
http://www.webroot.com/blog/2013/04/30/fake-microsoft-security-scam/
In relation to the malware that you believe is back on your system it is most likely due to a PUA or Potentially Unwanted Application that has managed to slip onto your system bundled with a recent download of usually a perfectly legitimate application but from a 3rd party site rather than the actual author's own or recommended site.
If that sounds familiar then post back and we can provide guidance on how to look for that.
Hope that helps?
Regards, Baldrick
Login to the community
No account yet? Create an account
Enter your E-mail address. We'll send you an e-mail with instructions to reset your password.