This common scam occurs when you receive a Pop-Up message on your computer while browsing the internet. The pop-up may be a warning stating there is a hacking attempt, or that there is a problem with your Microsoft product. It may be a virus warning or an alert regarding adult material. Sometimes these occur with loud sounds and alarms urging you to call a number listed on the Pop-Up to resolve the issue. At times these cause your computer to “lock up” and you are unable to clear them from your screen.
The scam occurs when you engage the message and call the number. You are asked to log on to your computer and connect to a “secure server” in order for the issue to be resolved. The scammer will ask you to log onto your bank account and tell you that you need to pay for a service to remove the “hackers” who caused the issue. They will run a fake diagnostic program that will show you all the issues with your computer and then instruct you to send some form of payment from your account. This payment might be a direct deposit or an instant Zelle transfer. Some will have you withdraw cash and deposit into a Bitcoin ATM. Meanwhile the scammer now has your bank login and password that they will use at a later time to take more funds from you.
If you have connected remotely to the scammer immediately hang up their phone call and shut off your computer. As a precaution we recommend that you call your bank and have your online password changed and any debit or credit cards associated with your account be cancelled and changed.
The best way to avoid this scam is to not engage your PC when the Pop-Up appears and immediately hold the power button till your PC shuts down. Wait for at least 15 minutes then turn your PC back on and the Pop- Up will disappear. If this does not occur the first attempt you can repeat the process. If after a second attempt the Pop- Up does not disappear, we recommend you shut down the PC and take it in to a reputable computer technician for repair. If you or anyone you know has had this happen; Please reach out HERE to one of our Victim Advocates for help or guidance.