Issue 35.16
It seems that, every few weeks, there is another threat or scam that we have to report in an effort to help our readers avoid trouble. This latest scam is pretty scary or at least annoying even if you know how to avoid problems with it.
For most people, it starts with an email. It usually is from someone you know (or seems to be) and will say something like the following. These are directly from emails I have received.
Subject: “This is touching”
Not able to show full mail body.
You can see it by hitting here
Gmail error number: 1817588 (Fri Aug 26 23:03:00 2016)
Subject: “Unsurpassed?”
Err 76: The mail body refused to render.
Go here to display the email. If your email is not viewed within 24 hours after displaying this error the mail message will be removed from our servers.
Gmail debug msg ID: c77270 (Fri Aug 19 11:06:14 2016)
If you click on the link, it will cause a message to come up that your computer is infected and you must call the number they give you to solve the problem. However, if you do what they tell you to, they will take control of your computer (if you let them) and really mess it up. They will then demand hundreds of dollars to fix it. If you give in and give them money, they disappear leaving your computer inoperable. In some cases, they have demanded even more money and threatened the user in a way similar to one we reported a few weeks ago.
It seems logical that, if you could view the email by clicking on the link, the email provider could just show you the email without asking you to do so. That is the first red flag.
Remember the cardinal rules of Computer Scam safety.
Never click on any pop-up or ad that you did not ask for or search for.
Even if you did ask for it, check the link address at the bottom of your browser before clicking to be sure it is the website you were expecting.
Never, ever call a tech support line that you do not know anything about
Do not believe anyone that says they are from Microsoft or a Microsoft partner unless you carefully sought them out.
Never give anyone that you do not know (and trust) access to your computer remotely.
If it is difficult or impossible to remove an ad or threat, turn off your computer.
If it is still there when you turn it back on, call your local computer professional.
The rule of thumb is “If you didn’t ask for it, you don’t want it!” – and remember to 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.