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grandparents victim of computer scam (1 Viewer)

Quez

Quez

Footballguy
They told me their computer froze and started making a noise, and something popped up saying to call a number to fix it. They called it, and end up giving remote access to the people. They didn't pay for anything, so I am not sure if they did anything. They do not bank online, and don't keep anything important on their computer. Should I get the computer wiped? Does anyone have any idea what they could of done, or could be doing?

This is the scam,

https://www.npinc.ca/another-tech-support-scam-ratchetinfotech-us-1-877-777-3711/

 
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Yes, they should reformat and reinstall windows. If you want to be extra secure, toss the HDD and get a new one. There are some infections that even a reformat won't fix.

And besides, if they currently have a platter HDD, you can get them an SSD and it will make their PC feel faster than when they bought it. Kill two birds with one stone.

 
Quez said:
They told me their computer froze and started making a noise, and something popped up saying to call a number to fix it. They called it, and end up giving remote access to the people. They didn't pay for anything, so I am not sure if they did anything. They do not bank online, and don't keep anything important on their computer. Should I get the computer wiped? Does anyone have any idea what they could of done, or could be doing?

This is the scam,

https://www.npinc.ca/another-tech-support-scam-ratchetinfotech-us-1-877-777-3711/
Click to expand...
Are you sure they didn't pay for anything? Check their bank and credit card accounts. Also, the computer could be used as part of a botnet. No one needs that.

I asked MrR (he's a computer expert). He says if nothing all that important is on it and you have a restore disk, go for a wipe. If there are pictures or any other particular files they want, you can put them on a disk, and scan them for malware separately.

Hope this helps.

 
Check their credit reports. You can do it for free at ftc.gov. Also have them put alerts on their names with the 3 credit agencies. If memory serves, you only have to contact one and they'll automatically contact the other 2. That way, if anyone applies for any credit in their name, they'll be contacted to see if it's legit.

 
The question is, what site was old grandpops visiting to initiate the virus in the first place?

Hmmm...

 
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Zasada said:
Yes, they should reformat and reinstall windows. If you want to be extra secure, toss the HDD and get a new one. There are some infections that even a reformat won't fix.

And besides, if they currently have a platter HDD, you can get them an SSD and it will make their PC feel faster than when they bought it. Kill two birds with one stone.
Click to expand...
This is the answer...

 
Lots of good advice here.

First, I'd highly recommend a fresh install of Windows.

Second, you very likely do not need to toss your hard drive. It's very very unlikely that a fresh install will not take care of any malicious software/changes that this person made remotely.

Third, after you reinstall Windows, make sure you go through all of the Windows updates. It'll take awhile, but it's necessary to harden Windows.

Fourth, if they did not have antivirus software, get it for them. Most ISPs will provide you with a full AV suite for free, so check with their ISP for a free one first. If not, just purchase something with active scanning and a firewall - you don't need to get too technical on features.

Fifth, for folks less internet savvy - particularly many elderly people - I'd recommend installing Web Of Trust (WOT) on their web browser. This, in addition to the AV you get, will help them navigate the internet safely and will help prevent - in many cases - them stumbling on a phishing site or some other malicious site.

Lastly, I'd definitely sign them up for some credit/identity theft monitoring service for the next year. Even if they weren't doing online banking or whatnot, most would be surprised at what kind of information a remote hacker/spammer can find on one's computer that can be used for identity theft purposes.

HTH. GL GB!

 
Zasada said:
Yes, they should reformat and reinstall windows. If you want to be extra secure, toss the HDD and get a new one. There are some infections that even a reformat won't fix.

And besides, if they currently have a platter HDD, you can get them an SSD and it will make their PC feel faster than when they bought it. Kill two birds with one stone.
Click to expand...
Yes this is technically true but it is extremely rare. And throwing out your hard drive won't solve it since the only way a virus can survive a reformat is if it is in the BIOS which is not on your hard drive anyway.

So Quez, do not throw out the hard drive. It won't accomplish anything.

 
James Daulton said:
The question is, what site was old grandpops visiting to initiate the virus in the first place?

Hmmm...
Click to expand...
My grandfather once told me he almost always clicks on popups if there is a good looking girl on it. I'm pretty sure he looks at a lot of porn.

 
Are some of you guys really suggesting these elderly folks reformat and then reinstall Windows?

It's not worth it. Trash the PC and get them a new cheap one. Also, advise them about being more careful online (and phone scams too while you're at it).

 
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eoMMan said:
Are some of you guys really suggesting these elderly folks reformat and then reinstall Windows?

It's not worth it. Trash the PC and get them a new cheap one.
Click to expand...
This thought may be responsible for more wasted $$$$ then any other misconception in the history of the world.

 
Quez said:
James Daulton said:
The question is, what site was old grandpops visiting to initiate the virus in the first place?

Hmmm...
Click to expand...
My grandfather once told me he almost always clicks on popups if there is a good looking girl on it. I'm pretty sure he looks at a lot of porn.
Click to expand...
Its about time you be a good grandson and show him the proper way to watch porn.

But if you do make sure you harden his windows

Maybe tint them too

 
Mrs. Rannous said:
STEADYMOBBIN 22 said:
eoMMan said:
Are some of you guys really suggesting these elderly folks reformat and then reinstall Windows?

It's not worth it. Trash the PC and get them a new cheap one.
Click to expand...
This thought may be responsible for more wasted $$$$ then any other misconception in the history of the world.
Click to expand...
Yep. That's just ludicrous.
Click to expand...
Why? We don't know how old the old one is. A new one is so cheap nowadays it is almost silly not to do it.
 
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FatUncleJerryBuss said:
System restore to a back date no good?
Click to expand...
No. Not if they are calling people on the phone and following their instructions based on a message on their screen.

Chromebook is $200 and constantly updates security in the background. There isn't much physical storage to get corrupted in the first place but even in the unlikely event there is a problem, teach them how to go to the Powerwash button and it brings the entire system back to brand new. Simply log back in.

Chromebooks aren't the answer for everyone but for the old, young, and casual users they are close to perfect imo. If it falls off a table at a coffee shop or gets stolen/lost you are out the price of a used chromebook..... $100?

 
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