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false alert ?

  • 4 February 2020
  • 3 replies
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In the morning, working on a website , I receive an alert saying my PC was infected and I would have to phone a number to a security platform. I just shudown and start Webroot to look for any problem. Webroot start analysis but nothing was found  and my PC seems to work normaly. Can I be sure that it was a false alert ? 

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Best answer by Ssherjj 4 February 2020, 17:05

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Userlevel 7
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Hello @JEANmicky

Welcome to the Webroot Community,

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.

EDITED @JEANmicky You did the right thing by shutting down your system...

Please look here https://community.webroot.com/archive-kb-68/pua-adware-324927
 
If you clicked on any links, allowed them to remote into your computer, or went to any websites please Submit a Support Ticket ASAP.  (Now would be a good idea....)
 
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 Microsoft's official word on this: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/safety/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: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/safety/online-privacy/msname.aspx

 
 For more information here's what 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/
 
Also add a good free Ad Blocker like the ones suggested below:
 
For Internet Explorer Ad Block Plus: https://adblockplus.org/
 
For Firefox uBlock Origin: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/ublock-origin/?src=ss or Privacy Badger: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-us/firefox/addon/privacy-badger-firefox/

 
Google Chrome uBlock Origin: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/ublock-origin/cjpalhdlnbpafiamejdnhcphjbkeiagm?hl=en or Privacy Badger: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/privacy-badger/pkehgijcmpdhfbdbbnkijodmdjhbjlgp
 
Thanks,

 

 

Userlevel 5
Badge +13

Got a call today just a little while ago from some they say with Apple, Had a breach, and all that , I just hung up and went on! Thanks for the article Sdherjj Hope you have a great day and a great week! 

               Slittle75

Userlevel 7
Badge +62

Thank you @Slittle75 ,

The same to you! Have a great day!:blush:

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