Jul 24, 2016

Called a number and they wanted $100 for malware protection?

I went to a website and tried to watch a video this morning, and then a pop-up came up on my screen saying there is a Trojan virus on my computer from visiting adult websites, even though I’ve never been on one. It told me to call a number to have the Trojan removed. My browser is now freezing and won’t let me exit out of this pop-up. My internet is having difficulty working. So I called, and a man with an Indian accent answered the phone. He said he is from ‘Microsoft tech support’ and he can help me get ‘bad’ files off my computer as long as I pay $100USD for malware protection. I asked where he was calling from and his phone number, but he couldn’t give me an address. I’m a little worried so i didn’t make the payment. Is this a scam? If so, how do I fix my computer and get the pop-up off my browser? Please help.

Suspicious Pop-up Asking You to Call a Number and Wants $100 for Malware Protection? – What is it?

Today many people got scammed by a telephone call from someone saying that they were from Microsoft, calling because of PC error reports. Those bad guys usually ask the victim for a remote access first, and then they start to “check” and scan the PC, falsely claiming that the computer has infected with some bad malware, and at last they will demand payment from the victims for “fixing” the computer. Actually this is a simple scam and do not fall into it. Microsoft doesn’t call people because of viruses or errors on their computers. Neither do ISPs, or any security companies. They won’t even show people pop-up alerts on user’s browser and ask them to call a number for malware protection.

This kind of tech support scam will invariably have different copy and language, but all say something to the effect that Malware has been detected and to call an #800 number for further instructions. The scam changes browser settings and uses pop-up ads to annoy PC users. On the Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari and Opera browsers, there will be a locked pop-up with a message telling computer users that their computer has some viruses inside and they need to call a number to get it fixed. The viruses, they say, are so severe that can damage your computer and steal your credit card information and they are the only solution to remove the viruses. Once you believe in, then they will ask you to allow them to access the PC. While accessing your machine several things may happen:

* Trick you into installing malicious software that could capture sensitive data, such as online banking user names and passwords. They might also then charge you to remove this software.
* Start a bogus security scanner and mislead you into thinking your computer is really compromised.
* In order to fix your (non existent) problem, they will ask you to pay $100 or even more for malware protection.
* Probably take over your browser and redirect you to fraudulent websites and ask you to enter credit card and other personal or financial information there.
* Your payment information may be used not only for that quoted fee, but for other purchases you haven’t authorized.
……

Browsing through suspicious sites, clicking on advertisements, and browser redirects caused by PUPs (potentially unwanted programs) are the common causes of fake tech support scams like this. If you are seeing suspicious pop-up ads asking you to call a tech support, or you have received a call from the scammers, please do NOT call trust it. You are not communicating with certified Microsoft employees. Everything is made to scare you into calling the provided number and rip off your money. If you are not sure whether your PC is hacked or not, you can contact YooCare Experts for help.

Why I Got Attacked by Tech Support Scam Like This?

If you are receiving pop-up ads on your browser that says your computer is infected and asks you to call a tech number, please ignore the message because that is a scam. And your machine must have been infected with an adware or a potentially unwanted program. Usually it can be downloaded by clicking malicious links or unsafe advertising pop-ups, visiting pornographic website or downloading attachment from spam emails. Therefore, users should always pay attention when installing software because the download can contain the Tech Support Scam pop-ups always.

How to Avoid Being The Victim of Tech Support Scam in The Future?

If someone claiming to be from Microsoft tech support calls you and asks you to pay $100 for malware protection:

Never purchase any software or services.

Ask if there is a fee or subscription associated with the “service.” If there is, hang up immediately.

Never give control of your computer to a third party unless you can confirm that it is a legitimate representative of a computer support team with whom you are already a customer.

Take the caller’s information down and immediately report it to your local authorities.

Never provide your credit card or financial information to someone claiming to be from Microsoft tech support.

If you got unknown pop-ups telling you your computer has a virus and you need to call a number for fixing, ignore the pop up. You should uninstall all the suspicious programs that cause the pop-up and run your antivirus. If the problem is still not fixed, just contact YooCare Expert for a manual removal.

Suggestion: Manual removal is a skillful and risky job, any mistake will lead damage to your device, please contact YooCare PC experts 24/7 online for help right now.