Issue 6.16
This week I am updating you and re-warning you about a scam that continues to evolve and to catch people – and it is expensive and damaging.
The way it usually presents itself is as a white box with black lettering informing you that your computer is infected with some sort of virus or problem. It will usually indicate that you should call Microsoft support (or some other official sounding group) at a number that is indicated in the box. If you try to close the box it will not go away. If you try to do anything else with your computer and ignore the box, nothing else will work.
If this happens to you, immediately turn off your computer. If you can’t turn it off normally, hold the power button for 5 seconds until it shuts off completely. I recommend actually unplugging it for a couple of minutes and, if it is a laptop, removing the battery as well. Once that is done, you can hook it back up and restart the computer. If it comes back up and works normally, you have successfully solved the problem. If the problem comes back, then it is time to call your computer professional.
What happens to many people that do not follow the instruction above is that they call the number. The nice person (who usually does not speak English well) on the phone will tell you they are just trying to help you and if you will let them have access to your computer over the internet, they can probably solve the trouble.
If you let them have access, what usually happens is that they damage the computer files or erase the registry which makes it impossible for you to start up correctly. At that point, they will let you know that the problem is much worse than they thought – but of course they can fix it if you will give them $300. I have heard of a few different amounts, but that is what they have determined most people will pay so they don’t have to lose their pictures, documents and files and have to go out and buy a new computer. However, if you give them the money, they disappear and do NOT fix your computer. Then it is up to someone like me to see if we can recover your files and fix your operating system and, of course, that costs you even more.
Usually this comes from visiting questionable websites or opening unfamiliar emails. It can come through infected emails from friends but this is unusual. The last time I saw this pop up on my computer was when I mistyped a website address and ended up where I didn’t intend to go and with a problem. I had to shut down as I outlined above and the problem disappeared. I have heard this is very common with sites that deal in illegal or pornographic content or products as well.
The old rule of thumb applies – If you didn’t ask for it, you don’t want it. Anyone that approaches you through the internet offering help or money or free stuff has an agenda and many of them are dangerous and costly. Finally, remember – make sure you always have a backup of anything important.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 33 years, 26 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently works as a computer consultant. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or shaun@musicomp.net.