A “virus” warning popped up?
Do not call that number! Do not get scammed!
Over the last few months, we had several customers who were scammed. We just want to send out a reminder that those messages and phone calls are scam. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me Christian Fruhen, call (403) 481-8080 or email service@xentas.ca
How it starts
You are using your computer when out of the blue a “virus” or “infection” or “suspicious connection” warning pops up on your screen. It will probably use a variety of technical-sounding phrases to tell you that there’s a problem, and that you are at risk for all kinds of scary consequences (“computer damage,” “data corruption”, etc.). You might see multiple pop-ups. At the end of this text there is a phone number you can call to get help.
In addition, you may see a “blue screen” or other colorful text and images, claiming there is a problem with your computer.
You may also hear a man’s or woman’s voice coming from your computer, telling you that this is urgent, call immediately, you are at risk, etc. Or you might hear a siren noise.
Do not believe it!
This is a scam, pure and simple. These messages and sounds are all designed to scare you, make you leave your common sense aside, and intimidate you into calling that number.
The message on your screen will probably have an “OK” button that, when you click it, closes and then immediately reopens the alert, making you feel trapped, and reinforcing the illusion that you have only one option, to call that number.
Don’t fall for this! Just because it says there’s a problem on your computer screen doesn’t make it true.
What happens if you call?
You will reach someone who will claim to be able to help you. Everything they say is designed to move you through their agenda:
Convince you that there is a problem with your computer, which there is not. (Yes, it is possible that your computer might have some infections, but calling a stranger on the phone is not the way to deal with them. Trust me.)
If you ask them who they are or who they work for, they will tell you anything to convince you to move forward with their agenda – Microsoft, Google, Apple, etc. ( Those Companies NEVER call you – its like Revenue Agency, they never call either)
They will use anything and everything you tell them about you or your situation to reinforce their scare tactics and manipulation.
Their next step is to have you download some software into your computer to permit them to make a remote connection, giving them live control of your computer.
Then they will run fake “scans” that “prove” that you have “infections” in order to further convince you that there is a problem.
Their goal is to convince you to pay them to “remove” these supposed “infections.” They may also try to sell you a service contract. The “scan” was free, but the “solution” carries a fee.
What happens next?
If you agree and pay them, probably anywhere from $150 to $400 by credit card, they will pretend to “fix” the “problems,” but they are most likely installing software that may monitor your activities and steal your money and identity and passwords instead. In essence you’ll be paying them to infect your computer, and in the long run this may cost you far more than the charge for just this “fix.”
If you refuse, they may try to lock you out of your computer until you pay them.
Don’t believe everything you read on your computer screen.
Don’t give strangers access into your computer. Only work with people you trust or recommended by someone you trust.
See it this way – if somebody knocks on your front door saying he is from your Bank and needs to verify your bank password you wouldn’t let this person in your house nor give him your confidential bank information, or?
Keep your computer’s operating system and antivirus/security software up to date. This is particularly important. If you have any questions or need help because you got hit, please feel free to contact me.
Xentas Inc. Computer Services and Repair
Christian Fruhen
Phone: (403) 481-8080
Email: service@xentas.ca
Web: www.xentas.ca
Newsletter Archive August 2018 – Scam: Virus message popped up