Yesterday, DF informed me of a nightmare situation that happened 2 weeks ago.
She bought a Mac Book Pro, added Microsoft office. She did not have LastPass and used various passwords that were easy to remember. She did not get Adblock so she got ad pop ups. She did not go into Privacy/security and limit downloads or make any download from an outside source impossible unless you approve it with a password.
While working on her new Mac Book, a white screen appeared with a man's voice saying her computer was compromised with a virus. An Apple support phone # appeared on the screen to call for assistance. She called the given number, gave the serial number as requested.
A day later, $2000 disappeared from her checking account. Several CC opened and gift voucher issued somehow. Her savings account was involved.
Obviously, this was not an Apple phone #. She called the hacker and gave the information they asked for. Did not give SS# or anything like that.
She had to completely shut down all accounts and open new ones. She now uses LastPass with complicated passwords. She set up security in her Apple. By the way, the real Apple support had to completely scan her computer to check for malware and viruses, there were none. E-mail a mess we did not talk about.
The bank covered her losses and CC also covered the charges that were not hers.
My takeaway from this, shut computer down immediately when anything weird happens. My Apple support told me that some time ago. Don't investigate, don't click anywhere, just shut down. If it won't shut down, unplug.
She bought a Mac Book Pro, added Microsoft office. She did not have LastPass and used various passwords that were easy to remember. She did not get Adblock so she got ad pop ups. She did not go into Privacy/security and limit downloads or make any download from an outside source impossible unless you approve it with a password.
While working on her new Mac Book, a white screen appeared with a man's voice saying her computer was compromised with a virus. An Apple support phone # appeared on the screen to call for assistance. She called the given number, gave the serial number as requested.
A day later, $2000 disappeared from her checking account. Several CC opened and gift voucher issued somehow. Her savings account was involved.
Obviously, this was not an Apple phone #. She called the hacker and gave the information they asked for. Did not give SS# or anything like that.
She had to completely shut down all accounts and open new ones. She now uses LastPass with complicated passwords. She set up security in her Apple. By the way, the real Apple support had to completely scan her computer to check for malware and viruses, there were none. E-mail a mess we did not talk about.
The bank covered her losses and CC also covered the charges that were not hers.
My takeaway from this, shut computer down immediately when anything weird happens. My Apple support told me that some time ago. Don't investigate, don't click anywhere, just shut down. If it won't shut down, unplug.
