received popup window froze my computer

  • 24 January 2015
  • 1 reply
  • 18 views

The pop-up window sated I call a toll free number that was associated with my internet provider. The person stated they were a security Co working for my provider. He stated I should have the computer checked out by my security tech. Co.

1 reply

Userlevel 7
Hi maddpd
 
Welcome to the Community Forums.
 
THIS IS A SCAM!!  No self respecting or legitimate 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 Open a Support Ticket ASAP.  (Now would be a good idea....)
 
It is possible that you are harbouring a PUA or Potentially Unwanted Application...can you supply the name of the Company proposing the service, etc...as that would help to qualify the threat?
 
From what we know generally these are very annoying at best in that they cause pop-us, redirect your browser home page, and other behaviour that may slow down the computer and direct ads your way, but they are not actually doing anything bad like damaging files or stealing information. Often they are installed intentionally by you the user as browser add-ons for various tasks such as quick search tools. But they also come with the result of added annoying pop-ups and ads. Other times they 'piggy back' with other software that you installed, or try to 'sneak' onto your system entirely.
 
WSA does detect and remove many PUA's, and more are being added, but WSA does not detect all of them. A simple browser add-on with PUA behaviour that is easy to identify and easy to remove is not likely to be detected and removed by WSA. Those that are intentionally difficult to locate and remove are. Please see THIS LINK for more information regarding Webroot's stance on these annoying programs.
 
If you feel or consider yourself technically proficient then you can try these steps to remove it from your system.
 
However, if that does not work or you do not feel technically capable then as I suggested earlier the best thing to do is to Open a Support Ticket & ask Webroot Support to take a look and remove these for you.  There is NO CHARGE for this for valid WSA license holder.
 
Regards, Baldrick

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