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#4394692 - 12/14/17 12:01 AM microsoft "support" scam  
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coasty Offline
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I clicked on something today and my computer froze, no input allowed. woman's voice warned me that I should stop, not try to fix it myself, a hacker was attacking (how do they know that?) and advising me to call 1-888-467-1397 for their help. they called it a telephone free number rather than toll free. I looked it up on smart phone and it hit on scam. I had to unplug from internet (otherwise it keeps reloading), clear temporary internet files, clear cache, download and run Malwarebytes and restart. they found 1 Trojan and 13 registry problems and quarantined all. it seem to be ok now. I was pretty annoyed thinking they were ransomware, I'm getting too old for this kind of aggravation, spent 2 hours doing something I did not enjoy.


Have you seen the Arrow? WWW
Inline advert (2nd and 3rd post)

#4394695 - 12/14/17 12:26 AM Re: microsoft "support" scam [Re: coasty]  
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cichlidfan Offline
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Don't click on stuff that you don't know what it is and where it goes. Not complicated.


ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero, i7-6700K, Noctua NH-D14 Cooler, Crucial 32GB DDR4 2133, Samsung 950 Pro NVMe 256GB, Samsung EVO 250GB & 500GB SSD, 2TB Caviar Black, Zotac GTX 1080 AMP! Extreme 8GB, Corsair HX1000i, Phillips BDM4065UC 40" 4k monitor, VX2258 TouchScreen, TIR 5 w/ProClip, TM Warthog, VKB Gladiator Pro, Saitek X56, et. al., MFG Crosswind Pedals #1199, VolairSim Pit, Rift CV1
#4394697 - 12/14/17 12:35 AM Re: microsoft "support" scam [Re: coasty]  
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oldgrognard Offline
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Lifer

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But, but, but ... then how do you cruise porn ?


Good people sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.

Someday your life will flash in front of your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.
#4394699 - 12/14/17 12:38 AM Re: microsoft "support" scam [Re: coasty]  
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Mr_Blastman Online content
Hotshot
Mr_Blastman  Online Content
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If you see this:



Don't click on anything! Close your browser by the tab. Do not call the number. Do not fall for extortion bullcrap.


#4394700 - 12/14/17 12:38 AM Re: microsoft "support" scam [Re: coasty]  
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coasty Offline
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it was a story on the MSN homepage, which is usually safe, even if over run with ads


Have you seen the Arrow? WWW
#4394701 - 12/14/17 12:41 AM Re: microsoft "support" scam [Re: coasty]  
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coasty Offline
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the only input I could make was control-alt-delete and shut down, but it was still there when I restarted. I do know enough to avoid clicking that junk.


Have you seen the Arrow? WWW
#4394702 - 12/14/17 12:42 AM Re: microsoft "support" scam [Re: coasty]  
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MarkG Offline
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Any PC's (desktops and laptops) that are important to me don't have online capability, and I'm going to keep it this way for as long as I possibly can.



The rusty wire that holds the cork that keeps the anger in
Gives way and suddenly it’s day again
The sun is in the east
Even though the day is done
Two suns in the sunset, hmph
Could be the human race is run
#4394703 - 12/14/17 12:43 AM Re: microsoft "support" scam [Re: coasty]  
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cichlidfan Offline
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Originally Posted by oldgrognard
But, but, but ... then how do you cruise porn ?

Originally Posted by coasty
it was a story on the MSN homepage, which is usually safe, even if over run with ads


Examine an unknown link. Does it make sense for where you think it should go? If unsure, don't click it. This applies to porn sites as well as news sites.


ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero, i7-6700K, Noctua NH-D14 Cooler, Crucial 32GB DDR4 2133, Samsung 950 Pro NVMe 256GB, Samsung EVO 250GB & 500GB SSD, 2TB Caviar Black, Zotac GTX 1080 AMP! Extreme 8GB, Corsair HX1000i, Phillips BDM4065UC 40" 4k monitor, VX2258 TouchScreen, TIR 5 w/ProClip, TM Warthog, VKB Gladiator Pro, Saitek X56, et. al., MFG Crosswind Pedals #1199, VolairSim Pit, Rift CV1
#4394704 - 12/14/17 12:46 AM Re: microsoft "support" scam [Re: MarkG]  
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cichlidfan Offline
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Woodbridge, VA, USA
Originally Posted by MarkG
Any PC's (desktops and laptops) that are important to me don't have online capability, and I'm going to keep it this way for as long as I possibly can.


What do you use them for? How do you update/install software?


ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero, i7-6700K, Noctua NH-D14 Cooler, Crucial 32GB DDR4 2133, Samsung 950 Pro NVMe 256GB, Samsung EVO 250GB & 500GB SSD, 2TB Caviar Black, Zotac GTX 1080 AMP! Extreme 8GB, Corsair HX1000i, Phillips BDM4065UC 40" 4k monitor, VX2258 TouchScreen, TIR 5 w/ProClip, TM Warthog, VKB Gladiator Pro, Saitek X56, et. al., MFG Crosswind Pedals #1199, VolairSim Pit, Rift CV1
#4394707 - 12/14/17 12:57 AM Re: microsoft "support" scam [Re: coasty]  
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coasty Offline
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coasty  Offline
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mostly recreational. update games through Steam. back up important business on external hard drive. do weekly backups.


Have you seen the Arrow? WWW
#4394708 - 12/14/17 01:02 AM Re: microsoft "support" scam [Re: cichlidfan]  
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MarkG Offline
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Originally Posted by cichlidfan
Originally Posted by MarkG
Any PC's (desktops and laptops) that are important to me don't have online capability, and I'm going to keep it this way for as long as I possibly can.


What do you use them for? How do you update/install software?


AutoCAD, iTunes (organization/playlists for iPod Shuffles and burning MP3 CDs), games, math and programming DVD courses.

For updates, I look for downloadables which can be installed offline (download from online laptop and transfer via flash drive after virus/trojan scanning), else I don't update.

The one PC (laptop) that I go online with is used *only* for going online. If ever I get ransomware (my biggest concern), I'd simply restore my HD via an Acronis disk image, losing nothing because I keep nothing on it that I could lose.



The rusty wire that holds the cork that keeps the anger in
Gives way and suddenly it’s day again
The sun is in the east
Even though the day is done
Two suns in the sunset, hmph
Could be the human race is run
#4394710 - 12/14/17 01:12 AM Re: microsoft "support" scam [Re: cichlidfan]  
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Flogger23m Offline
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Originally Posted by cichlidfan
Don't click on stuff that you don't know what it is and where it goes. Not complicated.


That will work, but you can get a virus via Amazon.com's advertisements. Adblock used to help a lot with that, but they have evolved a bit. I believe the addon "Noscript" for Firefox is even more effective to.

#4394712 - 12/14/17 01:18 AM Re: microsoft "support" scam [Re: MarkG]  
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cichlidfan Offline
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Woodbridge, VA, USA
Originally Posted by MarkG
Originally Posted by cichlidfan
Originally Posted by MarkG
Any PC's (desktops and laptops) that are important to me don't have online capability, and I'm going to keep it this way for as long as I possibly can.


What do you use them for? How do you update/install software?


AutoCAD, iTunes (organization/playlists for iPod Shuffles and burning MP3 CDs), games, math and programming DVD courses.

For updates, I look for downloadables which can be installed offline (download from online laptop and transfer via flash drive after virus/trojan scanning), else I don't update.

The one PC (laptop) that I go online with is used *only* for going online. If ever I get ransomware (my biggest concern), I'd simply restore my HD via an Acronis disk image, losing nothing because I keep nothing on it that I could lose.


I see how that can work but it strikes me as so cumbersome that it isn't worth the trouble. For example, I do my taxes, via TurboTax which always requires an update. Having to run around and hunt for downloadable, and transferable updates, is too much work vs being cautious in the first place.

While I agree that a certain level of paranoia is not a bad thing, there is a point where it is so counterproductive that it is not worth it.

I have an alarm system on my house, including cameras. However, I have two dogs and weapons in strategic locations. I don't expect to be burglarized but I do expect, and plan, to be able to kill anyone that attempts it.

To each their own though. If it works for you then more power to you.

Last edited by cichlidfan; 12/14/17 01:19 AM.

ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero, i7-6700K, Noctua NH-D14 Cooler, Crucial 32GB DDR4 2133, Samsung 950 Pro NVMe 256GB, Samsung EVO 250GB & 500GB SSD, 2TB Caviar Black, Zotac GTX 1080 AMP! Extreme 8GB, Corsair HX1000i, Phillips BDM4065UC 40" 4k monitor, VX2258 TouchScreen, TIR 5 w/ProClip, TM Warthog, VKB Gladiator Pro, Saitek X56, et. al., MFG Crosswind Pedals #1199, VolairSim Pit, Rift CV1
#4394717 - 12/14/17 02:02 AM Re: microsoft "support" scam [Re: coasty]  
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Raw Kryptonite Offline
Beat the Kobayashi Maru
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Originally Posted by coasty
the only input I could make was control-alt-delete and shut down, but it was still there when I restarted. I do know enough to avoid clicking that junk.


Don’t feel bad, there’s nothing magical about clicking a mouse, and seeing things like this doesn’t necessarily mean you clicked on something.
Programming-wise, a mouse click is just an event, a marker more for your benefit. “mouse over”is the same kind of thing...and requires nothing more than you passing your cursor over a specific spot to activate, just the same as if you had clicked on it. There might not even be anything there to click on, just a area to pass the cursor over to activate.

From time to time, run the free version of these apps in this order:
adaware...in safe mode
junkware removal tool...in safe mode
hitman pro...needs to be online
malwarebytes free scanner

That group will take care of most things you might find. Create a restore point first.

Also, the full version of malwarebytes plays well with windows defender, unlike some, and makes for good real time protection.

Most of those ads are for real services, but still a ripoff. They charge $400 to run a set of free apps like I listed. Most people will have something that looks suspicious on the pc already...which is probaby in your case too. Then they catch it and it looks nefarious “justifying” the charge. It usually doesn’t go further, more phishing/social engineering than actively targeting and hacking someone.


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#4394719 - 12/14/17 02:22 AM Re: microsoft "support" scam [Re: cichlidfan]  
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MarkG Offline
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Originally Posted by cichlidfan
While I agree that a certain level of paranoia is not a bad thing, there is a point where it is so counterproductive that it is not worth it.

To each their own though. If it works for you then more power to you.


Probably works for me because I don't use the latest/greatest of anything, most updates of my software have long since ceased. You used TurboTax as an example, that would probably be on my online laptop since my wife (an accountant) files our taxes online anyway, directly into the IRS online forms. So it's not too big a deal for me, but we'll see how it works out when I finally get a new PC and try to keep it offline. smile

I'm probably not paranoid enough with some things, I use my full real name on this site all the time, even posting my address when I'm doing something cool in my backyard and want to show it via Google Earth (1/8m walking path).



The rusty wire that holds the cork that keeps the anger in
Gives way and suddenly it’s day again
The sun is in the east
Even though the day is done
Two suns in the sunset, hmph
Could be the human race is run
#4394720 - 12/14/17 02:38 AM Re: microsoft "support" scam [Re: coasty]  
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Haggart Offline
I Fought Diablo
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The Lone Star State
4 critical things Mark you can do right now to surf safer:

1. Don't click on stuff you're not sure about including email links
2. Be sure your browser settings are set to best protect you
3. Make sure you have a good anti-virus (3 years now with Norton and i've seen Norton stop attacks like the one you described before)
4. Make sure your software is kept up to date and set up any anti-virus software to auto update and do a daily auto scan of your PC


"everything lives by a law, a central balance sustains all"
#4394808 - 12/14/17 05:37 PM Re: microsoft "support" scam [Re: Haggart]  
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ADorante Offline
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Originally Posted by Haggart
4 critical things Mark you can do right now to surf safer:

1. Don't click on stuff you're not sure about including email links
2. Be sure your browser settings are set to best protect you
3. Make sure you have a good anti-virus (3 years now with Norton and i've seen Norton stop attacks like the one you described before)
4. Make sure your software is kept up to date and set up any anti-virus software to auto update and do a daily auto scan of your PC


While it's convenient to rely on anti-virus software to get a feeling of relative security, there are some more important precautions computer experts suggest to take.

We had this discussion in a SimHQ Community Hall thread before, so I shamelessly link to myself: Link 1 (note: EMET no longer works in Win 10 but still in Win 7)

So I repeat:
1.) Keep Windows, browser and other used software updated! Enable the auto-update function, but be in control! I.e. Keep checking if it really updates.
2.) Your browser needs anti-advertising-functionality against malware payload in malicious ads. The uBlock Origin addOn for Chrome and FireFox is recommended.
3.) Strongly consider a no-script add-on for your browser. I installed mine after someone on this very forum rickrolled us all with a silly JavaScript embedded in the thread page. I was so pissed that I couldn't stop it going through the complete song line by line. I never regretted installing No-Script for Firefox since then. For Chrome use Scriptsafe as addon.
4.) Anti-virus software is like any other software connected to the internet: it has bugs and they are exploitable by other actors with terrible results for you. The bigger the security team behind it, the safer it gets. Microsoft is the biggest player in the field. Just saying.
5.) If you're still using Win7, add Microsofts tool EMET (Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit) (see link above) to your computer.

Last point, andCoasty, forgive me if I'm wrong but seeing that you read MSN I was assuming you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer. If You are still in Windows 7 I would recommend to ditch IE and migrate to another 3rd party browser. The old Internet Explorer is a favorite landing zone for all kinds of malware due to its security flaws. (I haven't read anything about the new MS browser software in Win 10).


"It's people like you that give people like you a bad name!"
- Jessica Jones
#4394816 - 12/14/17 06:20 PM Re: microsoft "support" scam [Re: coasty]  
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coasty Offline
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coasty  Offline
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Asheville, NC, USA
I use windows 10, automatic updates, trend micro antivirus, ccleaner, Malwarebytes, and am very selective about where I go. no porn sites.


Have you seen the Arrow? WWW
#4394825 - 12/14/17 07:06 PM Re: microsoft "support" scam [Re: coasty]  
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oldgrognard Offline
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Lifer

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Posts: 24,005
USA
No porn sites ?


Good people sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.

Someday your life will flash in front of your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.
#4394845 - 12/14/17 08:26 PM Re: microsoft "support" scam [Re: coasty]  
Joined: Jun 2001
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coasty Offline
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coasty  Offline
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never much interested me, why watch, when you can do?


Have you seen the Arrow? WWW
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