phone number on bottom of screen

  • 4 January 2017
  • 8 replies
  • 1065 views

Userlevel 2
I have a number (866-324-8966).  I believe it was put there when I first bought webroot a couple months ago?  Did a scammer put it there and how do I get it off?  Or Is it nothing to worry about and helpful for me?

8 replies

Userlevel 7
Hello @,

There should not be a Phone Number listed at the bottom of your screen. More than likely, it sounds like someone remotely installed whatever is causing that to be there.

Please reach out to our Advanced Malware Removal Team at your earliest convenience. They'll be able to ensure to take care of it for you in no time!

Support Number: 1-866-612-4227 M-F 7am?6pm MT
Send us a Support Ticket: https://detail.webrootanywhere.com/servicewelcome.asp

Cheers,
Userlevel 7
Badge +52
@ wrote:
I have a number (866-324-8966). 
it is a scam
for example: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/7316240?start=0&tstart=0
 
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."
 
NEWS ARTICLE: Tech Support Scams are on the rise.
Userlevel 2
Thanks.  I've been scanning since they put that number there and it always comes up green so I think I'm ok.
I've figured out how to get the number off the taskbar.  The scammrs must have but me on a list of suckers because I keep getting calls from people trying to get on my computer by saying they noticed a problem and need to fix it or mthat they need to send me a refund.  next time i'll call webroot if i have any douts.  Thanks again
Userlevel 7
Badge +54
Hi @
You may find the following interesting and how to help avoid these scams:
 
 


 
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 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 7
@ wrote:
Thanks.  I've been scanning since they put that number there and it always comes up green so I think I'm ok.
I've figured out how to get the number off the taskbar.  The scammrs must have but me on a list of suckers because I keep getting calls from people trying to get on my computer by saying they noticed a problem and need to fix it or mthat they need to send me a refund.  next time i'll call webroot if i have any douts.  Thanks again
I'm not saying that it is more than likely harmful, but probably at least a tad tedious!
 
If it ever does bother you, just contact our Team and they'll be able to remove it for you :cathappy:
Userlevel 7
Badge +25
Hello @  It's all a scam and the next time you get a telephone call(s), please just hang up on them or better yet don't even answer the phone. 
 
Furthermore, your not a sucker, you came into this Webroot Community Forum for help.  Just know that you can ask any question you may have in this forum.  Thank you.
Wondering how you removed it. I am fixing my brothers computer after he fell for one of these scams. Thanks
Badge

1-866-333-3445 is a toll free number of printer support department 

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