Originally Posted by NW-Bound
OMG! The OP got owned big time!
During the 5 hours, the scammers were busy surfing the OP's PC, looking for tax files and any kind of financial info and downloading his personal files. As others have said, he should stop using his PC immediately, and seek help.
Exactly! That is exactly what all the "working" time was for.
Change all passwords, including email, etc.
Just never, ever give anyone remote access to your computer over the internet.
We haven't heard back from the OP. Hopefully, his computer isn't totally possessed by the scammers by now .
So did this really happen, or is OK sending out scary Halloween stories?
Interesting TwoByFour. That didn't work on my Mac. For one, there was no "X" to close out the pop up window. It wasn't just a pop up. It filled the entire screen. For two, I had already "shut down" 2 or 3 times. When I selected "do not" bring up the tabs that were open before the shut down, it still came back up and locked out anything else I could do. Hence my phone call to Apple Support. Next time, I will know what to do. Wrote it down.
I would not use the affected PC to change passwords on e-mails, bank accounts, etc...
The scammers could have planted a keystroke logger, and capture all the new password changes.
Basically, they can remotely monitor and see what the victim types on his computer, account login, password changes and all.
That is correct. Those rogue pop-up windows won't let you close them. You do sometimes have to force quit the application.
And then knowing how to relaunch Safari with no previous windows open is important.
You were probably the victim of a CFP's side hustle. Those people are crooks.
The only thing I didn't know about this scam was that there is over a 51% chance that a Certified Financial Planner planted the malware.
Amazing.
I don't know about Rustward, but I do know that Robbie uses a CFP and is very satisfied, so I'm sure this was tongue-in-check. Doesn't everyone realize how easy sarcasm is to detect in posts? (that's sarcasm, btw)I know CFPs are not popular on this site, but accusing the entire industry of being crooks without even a word on why this might be so is really over the top. I suppose you folks "heard it on the web, so it must be true".
BTW, I don't use or even know a CFP and I doubt I ever will use one other than at Vanguard. I am hoping they don't fall under the category of crooks.
So did this really happen, or is OP sending out scary Halloween stories?
Except the OP wasn't relating falling for this. Reread that first post. They were saying how lucky they were they got actual help, when it's pretty clear they were victimized. If anything, this was the worst possible message to send, that calling a number on a popup and giving your credit card and letting them access your computer all works out OK.I'd guess it did really happen, however what a great idea. October is actually national cybersecurity month, and relating falling for a malware attack but not being aware you were doing so would be a great way to drum up awareness inside of a corporate intranet. Or a public forum.
Except the OP wasn't relating falling for this. Reread that first post. They were saying how lucky they were they got actual help, when it's pretty clear they were victimized. If anything, this was the worst possible message to send, that calling a number on a popup and giving your credit card and letting them access your computer all works out OK.
I know CFPs are not popular on this site, but accusing the entire industry of being crooks without even a word on why this might be so is really over the top. I suppose you folks "heard it on the web, so it must be true".
BTW, I don't use or even know a CFP and I doubt I ever will use one other than at Vanguard. I am hoping they don't fall under the category of crooks.
So did this really happen, or is OP sending out scary Halloween stories?
OP here sorry I am late getting back to you all. I took my laptop in first thing this morning to Geek Squad at Best Buy. They still have my laptop and I am using my old one for this. They didn't ask for a credit card they asked for check information. Their transaction hadn't gone through so I closed my checking account. I also changed password from my wife's phone. I am so glad I checked this thread last night at 6:30. The overwhelming responses that this was a scam
hit home and got me going to hopefully resolve. I admit I am not computer savvy and refer to myself as a technophobe, even though I worked in IT (managed a development group). I really appreciate everyone's quick responses and concern. That is why I came here. Will follow up when I get my laptop back. Thanks again for all the great feedback. I trust this group to provide the truth.
OP here sorry I am late getting back to you all. I took my laptop in first thing this morning to Geek Squad at Best Buy. They still have my laptop and I am using my old one for this. They didn't ask for a credit card they asked for check information. Their transaction hadn't gone through so I closed my checking account. I also changed password from my wife's phone. I am so glad I checked this thread last night at 6:30. The overwhelming responses that this was a scam
hit home and got me going to hopefully resolve. I admit I am not computer savvy and refer to myself as a technophobe, even though I worked in IT (managed a development group). I really appreciate everyone's quick responses and concern. That is why I came here. Will follow up when I get my laptop back. Thanks again for all the great feedback. I trust this group to provide the truth.