How to beat the latest scammers

There seems to be a very common scamming attempt at the moment. A pop-up, which can cause a lot of damage, keeps appearing on clients’ computers. This pop-up says it’s from Microsoft and that the computer has been infected. In reality, this pop-up itself is the scam – and it’s not from Microsoft.

Let’s walk through what to do in case this happens.

Imagine this: you’re browsing the web, and suddenly your computer changes screens, displaying an alert claiming to be from Microsoft, stating that your computer has been infected.

A voice starts speaking, saying the same thing, and you’re unable to move your mouse or type anything. The screen instructs you to call ‘Microsoft’ on a strange number, and you can’t find a way to leave the screen.

The way to get out of it is reasonably simple, but in the adrenaline of the moment, it might feel like the only way to escape is to call the number. Do not, under any circumstances, call that number!

That number, in reality, connects to a call centre with people waiting to take calls from distressed victims. Stay on the line long enough, and they will get you to download remote-access software, which enables remote control from wherever they are in the world. Then, they’ll either a) make a transaction online and steal your details or b) ask you to log into internet banking, where they will falsify accounts and siphon money out.

In this case, your bank will likely ask you to get a professional clean of your computer, which is a costly process. This can all be avoided, of course, by following these steps on a Windows computer:

1. Press Control + Alt + Delete at the same time on the keyboard (Ctrl + Alt + Del).
2. Press ‘Task Manager’.
3. Find your web browser listed in the table (for example, Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome).
4. Right-click the web browser.
5. Select ‘End Task’.
6. Turn off your internet or shut down your computer.
7. Seek help from a professional IT service to ensure your computer hasn’t been further infected, and do not access any banking services until this is confirmed.

This will dismiss the pop-up, and there’s a chance nothing further will happen. However, there is also a chance that something could have been infected. So, it’s a good idea to get in touch with an IT service to check and clean your computer if needed.

If you have called the number or your device has been infected in some other way, firstly, take a breath. It’s okay – this happens to many people every day, and you are not alone. Some people’s full-time job is to come up with elaborate scam techniques to gain your trust and scam you – and they are good at what they do.

Next, disconnect your computer from the internet/WiFi in settings. Do not turn it back on. Call your bank immediately.

Have the bank cancel your cards, pause your accounts, and change your password. Scammers move quickly: so should you.

Then, get an IT service to clean your computer. Your bank will likely ask you to do this anyway, before they unlock your accounts, as this is essential. It’s a bit like having a doctor remove a splinter: if the splinter stays in, the infection will grow.

It’s best practice to back up your files before any of this happens, to an external drive. We don’t want them being held for ransom or deleted and unable to be recovered. Do this sooner rather than later. Put it at the top of your priority list today.

A small investment now will save you a lot of trouble down the track.

Still not sure what to do? Give us a call: we will help you in your time of distress.

 Edin Read is founder and chief technician at Greyology Tech Support for Seniors. Visit greyology.com.au