LPT: Do not contact anyone by telephone when prompted to by your computer. Treat any request to remote access your system like a request to look in your underwear drawer.
Source: Am computer tech and spent all morning changing passwords and freezing credit reports.

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cippopotomas t1_je7p345 wrote on March 30, 2023 at 12:31 AM

The prompt didn't ask me to call, I just had to enter my social security number.

miraculous- t1_je7pw33 wrote on March 30, 2023 at 12:36 AM

They just told me to send all my credit card numbers and if one of them is lucky I win a trip to the bahamas

cippopotomas t1_je7qdrk wrote on March 30, 2023 at 12:40 AM

Holy shit, that's awesome! If I send you my credit card numbers can you enter some for me too? I'll split the prize with you.

AndersTheUsurper t1_je7qjsh wrote on March 30, 2023 at 12:41 AM

I had to install Svenkylyn AV but I ran the cleaner too late now all my files are in crypted

OppositeOfKaren t1_je7ucb9 wrote on March 30, 2023 at 1:09 AM

How would you be prompted by your computer? The only way I can think of that happening is via email. Am I missing anything else?

Petd80 OP t1_je87a1v wrote on March 30, 2023 at 2:50 AM

It’s malware piggybacking on a website. It’ll freeze the screen, purport to be Apple or Microsoft and prompt you to call. The same thing happens by e-mail of course. Proper response so far is to shut the computer down and reboot. It doesn’t appear to install or be persistent.

OppositeOfKaren t1_je88dai wrote on March 30, 2023 at 2:59 AM

Thank you kindly. TIL

SonOfDadOfSam t1_je7tnlf wrote on March 30, 2023 at 1:04 AM

I just finished helping my dad get his laptop reimaged and restored from backup after he let someone on his computer and they almost got into his bank account. He's still dealing with the banks and credit card companies. I have to remind him to freeze his credit report. (thanks! lol)

Fancy--Possible t1_je8oguh wrote on March 30, 2023 at 5:40 AM

That's scary! I'm glad you caught it in time. Just a reminder to everyone out there to always be very cautious when it comes to anything computer related. Better to be safe than sorry!

Petd80 OP t1_je8uw27 wrote on March 30, 2023 at 7:03 AM

Sadly this wasn’t a catch. The nice client allowed remote access to his system to the scammers. He balked when asked for $400 tech fees but there wasn’t anyway to tell if his data had been copied - this included password lists (another lecture) and social security numbers off tax returns that were digitised. Thus the scramble to change account numbers, passwords and freeze credit reports. Never call anyone when prompted by computer, never trust a contact link sent by email - use Google to find contact numbers and remember, NO ONE will send you a link asking you to directly login to an account.

LotusTheLurker t1_je9ljl8 wrote on March 30, 2023 at 12:38 PM

Same with Bluetooth! Change your device names. Be very careful with BT and turn it OFF in Settings when not in use (the quick “swipe menu” only turns it off for a few hours to 1 day). Do not pair new devices in public places, even your own. A Bluetooth device name may not be the device it says. Make sure your devices are not discoverable or open to connections.

keepthetips t1_je7m6j4 wrote on March 30, 2023 at 12:09 AM

Hello and welcome to r/LifeProTips!

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[deleted] t1_je7sq0l wrote on March 30, 2023 at 12:57 AM

[deleted]

somethingisaskew t1_je7x511 wrote on March 30, 2023 at 1:31 AM

Am computer tech, don't really understand what you're trying to say.

Late-Jicama5012 t1_je8f2sq wrote on March 30, 2023 at 4:00 AM

Ever have one of those days when you have to read a sentence 6 times in a row, because your eyes see word “by” but your brain thinks it’s “buy”? 😅