Steps to Hopefully Stop Scammers

My computer was recently hacked. A fake message was sent from “Microsoft Security” giving false information. Like a fool, I believed them because my computer had been locked down that morning.

I didn’t realize it was a scam, even when the two different men that I spoke with gave “Anglicized” names but spoke with accents (I don’t want to speculate, but there was a hint of one of the Indian dialects). Both men sounded legitimate. They had my personal information: DOB, SSN, address.

The first man, from the so-called Microsoft Security, transferred me to an “Office” of the FTC. He also sounded legitimate, the site looked real. He took down my story about my computer being hacked. He then told me the FTC would represent me in a DC court. They would assign an attorney.

IF I GAVE THEM MONEY!

That’s when my eyes were opened. This was a scam.

Beware if You See This!

My problems began when my computer crashed. This is the screen that set everything off.

I couldn’t control my mouse. Was afraid to turn off my computer.

I called my SIL who’s really good with computers. Because of this image, I couldn’t share my log in with him. The only thing he came up with was to turn off the computer.

When I restarted, my computer was back to normal. For a day. Then the screen returned.

I got a call from “Microsoft Security” which unfortunately I thought was real. It isn’t, so if you receive that call, DO NOT ANSWER!

Things spiraled rapidly.

My husband got our bank account flagged, thank goodness. Someone attempted to use my credit card to buy stuff from Amazon. I cancelled the card and notified the bank. It was also flagged, which was good, because they attempted to use it several more times.

Then they found my JCPenney card and tried to charge things with it. I got that cancelled and flagged.

Meanwhile my computer went to be cleaned up. They found five viruses imbedded, several connected to the dark web.

Please be careful!