Hello KPena

 

Welcome to the Webroot Community,

 

Are you getting a warning from Windows Security Center that you are not protected by Webroot or Windows Defender?

 

 

 

THIS IS A SCAM!!  Neither Microsoft nor any other company sends emails, pop ups, or phone calls of any kind advising that you may have a problem. Do not call that number!!

 

If you clicked on any links, allowed them to remote into your computer, or went to any websites please submit a Trouble Ticket ASAP.  (Now would be a good idea....)

 

If you would like more information, read on (After submitting that Trouble 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 Microsoft's 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's what 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/

 

Also add a good free Ad Blocker like the ones suggested below:

 

For Internet Explorer Ad Block Plus: https://adblockplus.org/

 

For Firefox uBlock: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/ublock-origin/?src=ss or Privacy Badger: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-us/firefox/addon/privacy-badger-firefox/



 

Google Chrome uBlock: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/ublock-origin/cjpalhdlnbpafiamejdnhcphjbkeiagm?hl=en or Privacy Badger: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/privacy-badger/pkehgijcmpdhfbdbbnkijodmdjhbjlgp

 

 

 

 

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Hi KPena

 

I just wanted to add that you are indeed protected by Webroot dispite what the warning said. Please look at this post here

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Thanks for the quick reply. This actually filled up my entire screen and said it was from Microsoft and Windows Defender. Now I am worried because I called the number. Do I need to do anything? I appreciate the help.

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Hello KPena,

 

You are most Welcome.

 

 

To have peace of mine I would Submit a Support Ticket and they can verify if everything is alright or not. This is a free service with a Webroot Subscription.

 

Please let us know how things turn out. Support is usually pretty fast to reply back; Within 48 hours I would estimate.

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Thank you! I submitted a ticket. Lesson learned!

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You're Welcome ?

 

Please let us know the outcome won't you?;)

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Hi Sherry that reminds someone who sounded like he was from India called me @ home and said he was from Microsoft (ha ha so I played with him). My caller ID said call was coming from New Jersey. I said to the caller what is your badge number. He was stumped. and said nothing. I asked him why he was calling. Then I told him to call me @ this number (gave him the number for the local police) and that I would be waiting for his call. ROLF

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Hi Yankeelady2015,

 

That's hilarious! Good for you! That's one way to get'em! LOLs:D

 

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LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL

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Hi Kpena

 

Welcome tothe Community Forums.

 

Calling the number itself should not have compromised you or your system in any way other than to cause you to have a bill to pay for the call...the key thing is not to let them have access to your system...which yo appear to have had the good sense not to do.

 

Regards, Baldrick

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