call from someone saying they from microsoft and my computer sending maliciaou stuff ??

  • 25 November 2014
  • 4 replies
  • 29 views

hi my name is Daphne,  how do i use this if i think something is going on with my computer? I got a cal from a person saying they ar from Microsoft and my comouter is givin of malicious ????something  they wanted me to ht the windows btton and do other stuff to get rid of it.  I scan and nothing came up.  Is this a scam?  I also keep geting a 'unser account conrol' pop up.
"do you want to allow the following rprogram to make changes to this computer, program name - fwupdate.exe   verified publishe - LG Electronics inc.  file origin - hard drive on this computer  program - cprogram files  (x86)lg_fwupdatefwupdate.exe"blrun
they also ask if you want  the informationshown about this publisheirs certificate 

4 replies

Userlevel 7
Welcome to the Community Daphne!
 
EDIT: This is now a two part reply...   Part 1 is in relation to the phone call from 'Microsoft'.  Part 2 is in regards to the specific file you mentioned.
 
 
Part 1)
THIS IS A SCAM!!  Neither Microsoft nor any other company sends emails, pop ups, or phone calls of any kind advising that you may have a problem.
 
If you clicked anything links, allowed them to remote into your computer, or went to any web sites please submit a Trouble Ticket ASAP.  Now would be a good idea....  (This is not needed if you did NOT click any links, go to any web site they suggested, allow them to do a remote session, etc)
 
If you would like more information, read on (After submitting that Trouble Ticket.....)
 
NEWS ARTICLE: Tech Support Scams are on the rise.
 
 
Microsoft never issues this type of warning or email or anything of a sort!  Please see the following link for Microsofts official word on this:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/avoid-phone-scams.aspx
 
"Neither Microsoft nor our partners make unsolicited phone calls (also known as cold calls) to charge you for computer security or software fixes.
 
Cybercriminals often use publicly available phone directories so they might know your name and other personal information when they call you. They might even guess what operating system you're using.
 
Once they've gained your trust, they might ask for your user name and password or ask you to go to a website to install software that will let them access your computer to fix it. Once you do this, your computer and your personal information is vulnerable."
 
Also see Avoid scams that use the Microsoft name fraudulently
http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/msname.aspx 
 
 
For more information here iwhat the United States Federal Trade Commission has to say on the subject::
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0346-tech-support-scams
 
"In a recent twist, scam artists are using the phone to try to break into your computer. They call, claiming to be computer techs associated with well-known companies like Microsoft. They say that they’ve detected viruses or other malware on your computer to trick you into giving them remote access or paying for software you don’t need.
 
These scammers take advantage of your reasonable concerns about viruses and other threats. They know that computer users have heard time and again that it’s important to install security software. But the purpose behind their elaborate scheme isn’t to protect your computer; it’s to make money."
 
This scam is common and has been around for quite a while.  Here is a good Webroot Blog article from April 2013 by Threat Researcher Roy Tobin.
http://www.webroot.com/blog/2013/04/30/fake-microsoft-security-scam/
 
 
Part 2
 
What is the device manufacturer of your device?  It looks like the fle you mention is probably a legit file from LG in regards to making sure that your device drivers and/or firmware is up to date.  It is a VERY good thing that any program wanting to possibly make changes to your computer is bringing up that warning... perfect and just what you want to happen.  
 
If the file has gotten to that point, WSA has already checked it, and will continue to check it, so it is most likely safe to proceed if your device is indeed an LG.  If you have any questions, you can bring this up to Support as well if you needed to file a Trouble TIcket under Part 1 above.
Thank you so much, for replying.  I did not not trust the person calling and this was the third time i received a call.  im so glad that this tool is available.
 
The pop up i told you about, my computer is a HP not a LG  I am not sure what they are takling about,  I am not tech savy.  I do have a LG  MODisc  cd / disc player attached to the computer.  
  1. My lap top does not have the cd/dvd drive, and I needed to add the soft ware to hook up my printer so my brother in law bought me the external cd/dvd to use to do that.   Im not sure what it is trying to do for the pop uo to be coming up. i just keep exting out   of it.   i wish i could send you a copy to show you what it is.  i have the picturs saved on my phone (took a picture of it) it is 8 different slides not sure i could attach it anyway. ,  
Userlevel 2
A scam. Thanks for the heads up! Did you get the scammer's phone number? I'd like to get the info so I can add it to my block list in advance.
Userlevel 2
By the way, I found several phone numbers reportedly used in this type of scam at Callercenter.com. Your caller's probably reported there, too. Can you check? I'd suggest you report the call to the FTC, too, to shut the scam down.

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