Alpha Info Systems Scam (not Microsoft)

Middle_Sister

When using the computer I got a big warning sign appear saying my computer had a virus and to ring an 0800 number on the screen. I tried to close the computer but the message wouldn't go so I rang the number. I was panicked and someone said they were Microsoft support and that they're sort it out. They remotely accessed my computer and said I had been hacked since September. They said it would cost £150 to sort. I gave them all my details and paid by credit card. They said they'd ring me back after 30 mins. In the meantime I went on my iPad and put in the message I had rec'd and I realised it might have been a scam.

I switched my computer off and contacted Microsoft direct. They said it was not them who I'd rung earlier and that they would need £95 to access my computer and clear it. So I paid with a different credit card.

I contacted the credit card company I paid the £150 with but they said the payment was 'pending' and that it would probably be paid. I put a block on the card.

Now I don't know whether my computer is safe to use. What if my passwords etc that I use for online banking are compromised. Should I log in and change my passwords or would the scammers be waiting for me to do this? I don't know what they did when they had remote access.

I feel such an idiot for falling for this. I'm usually pretty savvy but was panicking in case I lost everything on my computer.

So be warned. Don't fall for this official looking Microsoft scam

D_M_E

Use a different machine and change all your passwords and also, if the banks and whatever sites you have signed up with allow it, change your username as well if possible.

The scammers will have put some sort of spyware on your machine so If I were you I would seriously consider formatting the machine and reinstalling the operating system.

Better still if you can do what's called a low level format which will get rid of everything.

Or, install Linux which will overwrite everything and then, if you want to go back to Windows,reinstall that over Linux.

EDIT - Next time they call tell them you don't have access to a computer and they will stop pestering you.

[Deleted User]

First, make sure remote access is disabled then go to

https://malwaretips.com/blogs/malware-removal-guide-for-windows/

and follow every step through. This will involve multiple programs but they're all free.

Then change all of your passwords no matter how inane the website may be and it may be an idea to forewarn your bank as they can keep an eye out for suspicious activity that doesn't match your normal patterns.

I'm presuming you do have anti-virus and a firewall running?

agrinnall

It's quite likely that the scammers will have installed more nasty software, so whether it's safe or not will depend on what Microsoft did to clear it. You probably either need to do some further checks (at least a Malwarebytes scan, but possibly more) or take it to somewhere that you can rely on to clean it properly. I certainly wouldn't be accessing anything important like bank accounts just yet.

As an aside, where did you get the number for Microsoft from, I wasn't aware that you could just ring them up to sort out your computer, so I hope it wasn't another scammer?

thescouselander

agrinnall wrote: »

It's quite likely that the scammers will have installed more nasty software, so whether it's safe or not will depend on what Microsoft did to clear it. You probably either need to do some further checks (at least a Malwarebytes scan, but possibly more) or take it to somewhere that you can rely on to clean it properly. I certainly wouldn't be accessing anything important like bank accounts just yet.

As an aside, where did you get the number for Microsoft from, I wasn't aware that you could just ring them up to sort out your computer, so I hope it wasn't another scammer?

Yes, much less would I expect them to offer a service for £95 to do this sort of support. I suspect the second call to "Microsoft" might also have been a scam number.

Middle_Sister

I did see Microsoft using Hitman Pro. Also they uninstalled and reinstalled Windows. I'm hoping they were genuine. Can you ever trust anybody. I'm sick to the stomach.

[Deleted User]

Middle_Sister wrote: »

I did see Microsoft using Hitman Pro. Also they uninstalled and reinstalled Windows. I'm hoping they were genuine. Can you ever trust anybody. I'm sick to the stomach.

Where did you get this Microsoft number from and what is it?

Middle_Sister

Colin_Maybe wrote: »

Where did you get this Microsoft number from and what is it?

I got the number off the Microsoft website and dialled it direct from my iPad but can't recall what number I rang. It wasn't one you had to pay a premium rate though. They have given me a ref number and they say I can call 0344 800 2400 every month for a tune & clean.

I've just checked on my Microsoft account and the £95 was for them to carry out Assure.

[Deleted User]

Middle_Sister wrote: »

I got the number off the Microsoft website and dialled it direct from my iPad but can't recall what number I rang. It wasn't one you had to pay a premium rate though. They have given me a ref number and they say I can call 0344 800 2400 every month for a tune & clean.

I've just checked on my Microsoft account and the £95 was for them to carry out Assure.

Start by going to post #3 and follow my advice there to sort your PC out first off.

That telephone number is either a scam or it's a genuine company doing this with Microsofts blessing, it's 50/50 when you Google it. Of course they want you to phone up every month as they'll charge you, personally I would claim both payments back as fraud and change all of my banking details and as someone else advised change all of your passwords on a different PC (obviously you need to know that this one is clean and that the owner can be trusted, don't use a public computer).

I'd go and check your bank accounts immediately.

Middle_Sister

I put the 0344 number into Saynoto08 and it comes up with a Microsoft alternative numbers so hopefully it's genuine. Is an iPad safe to use to go in and change my bank account details? I'm the only user but have never used it for banking.