In-Laws got scammed, now what? (1 Viewer)

[Polish Hammer]

Typically my MIL calls me as her tech support line for computer issues. For some reason today when she got a call (unsolicited) from someone claiming to be IMax Technical Support she just trusted them. I looked it up and they are known scammers. Bottom line she gave them her credit card number (tied to a bank account, I think) and gave them remote access to her computer. While they were "doing work" on her laptop she called my wife who then called me. I called the MIL, had her immediately power down the computer, and told her to call the cc and the bank to cancel the transaction and ask for a fraud alert to be put on the account.

What else should I do with/for them to help keep her secure? I did find this link with some instructions:http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/avoid-phone-scams.aspx

Anything else?

 

[Abraham]

Maybe train her to not be so gullible?

 

[fantasycurse42]

If this person had access to her comp and she has all of her info in there, she is in a world of trouble...

If I was her, I'd call every financial institution I deal with, have all account numbers changed, new cards issued, and let them know to be on fraud alert. I'd also call the police and see if they could trace the number.

 

[Abraham]

Also, how is it a scam if the person did indeed remote in to her computer and work on it in exchange for pay? Did they describe to her the service they were going to perform? Did they perform that service?

 

[Abraham]

We are assuming the person stole data and/or added in a Trojan of some kind. What if the person performed legitimate services?

 

[Polish Hammer]

Abe, I googled that Imax company and they are known scammers. It is all over. They typically charge a fee to do work your computer doesn't need, then continue to charge larger amounts after the fact as well. Plus they lied to her about expired security status blah, blah, blah.

I will ask her what info is stored on the computer that might be at risk. Hopefully nothing more than photos of grandkids.

 

[FUBAR]

fraud alert

cancel the CC

 

[FUBAR]

Abe, I googled that Imax company and they are known scammers. It is all over. They typically charge a fee to do work your computer doesn't need, then continue to charge larger amounts after the fact as well. Plus they lied to her about expired security status blah, blah, blah.

I will ask her what info is stored on the computer that might be at risk. Hopefully nothing more than photos of grandkids.

start hiding the grandkids.

 

[eoMMan]

Any nudes that could possibly get leaked?

 

[James Daulton]

Only one thing left to do...

Sleep with the MIL

 

[StrikeS2k]

Also, how is it a scam if the person did indeed remote in to her computer and work on it in exchange for pay? Did they describe to her the service they were going to perform? Did they perform that service?

Most of these types of scammers call you telling you there is something wrong with your computer when there is not. Sometimes they will have you open the event viewer and tell you that any messages you see in there are errors. If there isn't anything wrong with the computer it's still a scam even if they do "work" on it.

 

[Polish Hammer]

Also, how is it a scam if the person did indeed remote in to her computer and work on it in exchange for pay? Did they describe to her the service they were going to perform? Did they perform that service?

Most of these types of scammers call you telling you there is something wrong with your computer when there is not. Sometimes they will have you open the event viewer and tell you that any messages you see in there are errors. If there isn't anything wrong with the computer it's still a scam even if they do "work" on it.

This is what happened.

 

[Soulfly3]

Microsoft has called me on two separate occasions about Viruses...

The Indian gentleman on the other end of the line was very helpful, as well

Paying was painless as well. Just gave him a bogus number, bogus expiry, and sat on the line with him for a good 45min as he attempted to infiltrate my Wall of Impenetrability, as I sat there playing the fool.

God, that was fun.

 

[Guest]

It's been happening quite a bit with calls claiming to be from Microsoft. A coworker let them start the remote session, but caught on before giving credit card information. Parents of another coworker got the "Microsoft" call. They don't own a computer.

 

[The Big Guy]

Just make sure that computer is not powered up or connected to the Internet until it has been thoroughly cleaned.

 

[The Tick]

I'd really consider a reformat/reinstall the OS in this case. They could have installed anything on there that could still give them access to the computer but won't show up as a virus or malicious software that would be caught by a virus/malware scan program.

I'd get a usb pull off anything critical, then full reinstall.

Makes me want to call my parents to again remind them never give anyone access to their computer that they don't know...

 

[ffldrew]

MIL got a call about her being "under criminal investigation" and to give some number a call. She also got one about being under IRS investigation.

It's getting tough out there to stay on top of all this crap

 

[Ignoramus]

Microsoft has called me on two separate occasions about Viruses...

The Indian gentleman on the other end of the line was very helpful, as well

Paying was painless as well. Just gave him a bogus number, bogus expiry, and sat on the line with him for a good 45min as he attempted to infiltrate my Wall of Impenetrability, as I sat there playing the fool.

God, that was fun.

Wow, that does sound like an awful lot of fun!

 

[Polish Hammer]

Just make sure that computer is not powered up or connected to the Internet until it has been thoroughly cleaned.

Should I use Endust or just wipe it with a dry cloth? Seriously, I plan on booting into safe mode (I guess) and then poking around on it without hooking it up to the internet. Then I can run those MS programs to check it for any other issues.

 

[Sinn Fein]

You did say frog alert, right?

 

[stbugs]

MIL got a call about her being "under criminal investigation" and to give some number a call. She also got one about being under IRS investigation.

It's getting tough out there to stay on top of all this crap

I got the IRS call a couple times, told them to eff off.

 

[McGarnicle]

Jeez, what is your MIL, Polish?

 

[Quez]

In for the MIL nudes.

 

[El Floppo]

MIL got a call about her being "under criminal investigation" and to give some number a call. She also got one about being under IRS investigation.

It's getting tough out there to stay on top of all this crap

my mom and both her sisters (all their 80s- 2 in CA, 1 in NY) got the "grandma" call, which is apparently a thing.

a young voice on the other end says "hi grandma!"... old lady usually says "hi *name-of-grandkid* " and off it goes.

"grandma- I'm in trouble/jail/something and need money"...

extended con game until the old lady either coughs up a credit card or asks the right questions leading to grandkid hanging up. my oldest aunt got bilked out of 2k because her grandson had actually just moved to Asia which played right into the con. Why she didn't figure that grandson- who moved to asia after getting his MBA and was working for a Morgan Stanley type big finance place- would need 2k from his grandma I'll never know.

 

[Judge Smails]

Microsoft has called me on two separate occasions about Viruses...

The Indian gentleman on the other end of the line was very helpful, as well

Paying was painless as well. Just gave him a bogus number, bogus expiry, and sat on the line with him for a good 45min as he attempted to infiltrate my Wall of Impenetrability, as I sat there playing the fool.

God, that was fun.

I do something similar. I ask them instead of taking my credit card, would they be willing to barter for my Nigerian Lottery winnings? I actually have fun and enjoy these now. Usually with me blasting something loud in the phone before I hang up.

 

[PatsWillWin]

I was at a police station one time, had to get fingerprints taken for a background check for a visa. There was this old guy in front of me at the desk talking to the officer about something that happened to him online. He had been e-mailed about some business venture and had invested money. They kept asking for more, and he gave them more. Finally when he said he would not pay anymore, they told him he was involved in something illegal and that they were going to call the Prime Minister (this is in Australia). The poor guy didn't even care about the money, he was so stressed because he thought he'd inadvertently sent money into some kind of criminal activity and he was worried the police were going kick down his door any second. He said he couldn't sleep. He was actually at the station that day to turn himself in, clutching a hand full of e-mails in his hand.

All up, I heard him say he'd sent them around $9,000. The officer was trying to tell him that these e-mails were just fake, there was no criminal venture, and that he should just ignore them, they literally meant nothing. The guy didn't get it, there was something about the e-mails that he just thought meant they were legitimate. They eventually brought a detective down, presumably to try to convince him of the "good" news - you're not going to jail, all that happened is that you lost $9,000!

/ilikestories

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Divorce.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

I'd also call the police and see if they could trace the number.

Ramnicu Valcea, Romania.

Your move, Ironside.

 

[The Big Guy]

MIL got a call about her being "under criminal investigation" and to give some number a call. She also got one about being under IRS investigation.

It's getting tough out there to stay on top of all this crap

my mom and both her sisters (all their 80s- 2 in CA, 1 in NY) got the "grandma" call, which is apparently a thing.

a young voice on the other end says "hi grandma!"... old lady usually says "hi *name-of-grandkid* " and off it goes.

"grandma- I'm in trouble/jail/something and need money"...

extended con game until the old lady either coughs up a credit card or asks the right questions leading to grandkid hanging up. my oldest aunt got bilked out of 2k because her grandson had actually just moved to Asia which played right into the con. Why she didn't figure that grandson- who moved to asia after getting his MBA and was working for a Morgan Stanley type big finance place- would need 2k from his grandma I'll never know.

Working in a bank, I stopped one elderly person from wiring thousands to South America that way. The grandkid begs to not tell his parents and most grandparents are enablers and will go along with that request. I made her call his brother who then got the kid in question on the phone and scam averted. These people are very good and the elderly are easy targets.

 

[Prinefan]

My 93 year old aunt got the "we've noticed malware on your Windows computer and we're here to help" call a couple weeks ago. She let them in. Time for a new computer as well as flagging ALL accounts for fraud. Cancelled all cards.

 

[saintfool]

if my mom is contacted through facebook then i'll worry. she doesn't pay attention to anything that doesn't mention or operate through FB. she doesn't pick up te phone or email me when i call but if i IM her on FB? always available.

 

[SHIZNITTTT]

I think there is an opportunity for someone to start up a3rd pay system. Have elderly and gullible people just tell these people when they call to contact XYZ company they handle all my computer needs.

 

[T Bell]

If this person had access to her comp and she has all of her info in there, she is in a world of trouble...

If I was her, I'd call every financial institution I deal with, have all account numbers changed, new cards issued, and let them know to be on fraud alert. I'd also call the police and see if they could trace the number.

Yup.

And every password she has should be changed immediately.

 

[Bri]

lifelock, right away

Huge strong recommendation

Next introduce her to your favorite version of linux

 

[Ned]

We are assuming the person stole data and/or added in a Trojan of some kind. What if the person performed legitimate services?

Also, how is it a scam if the person did indeed remote in to her computer and work on it in exchange for pay? Did they describe to her the service they were going to perform? Did they perform that service?

Looks like Abe was the one who called your MIL.

 

[Godsbrother]

It's been happening quite a bit with calls claiming to be from Microsoft. A coworker let them start the remote session, but caught on before giving credit card information. Parents of another coworker got the "Microsoft" call. They don't own a computer.

I have gotten a couple calls and they've said they work for Windows.

 

[El Floppo]

Microsoft has called me on two separate occasions about Viruses...

The Indian gentleman on the other end of the line was very helpful, as well

Paying was painless as well. Just gave him a bogus number, bogus expiry, and sat on the line with him for a good 45min as he attempted to infiltrate my Wall of Impenetrability, as I sat there playing the fool.

God, that was fun.

I do something similar. I ask them instead of taking my credit card, would they be willing to barter for my Nigerian Lottery winnings? I actually have fun and enjoy these now. Usually with me blasting something loud in the phone before I hang up.

got a call last night in the middle of juggling getting kids ready to sleep and making wife happy after a stressful day for both of us.

"Hi this is... Max... from Microsoft..."

"#### off Max" click.

eta: it was Windows, not Microsoft.

 

[El Floppo]

MIL got a call about her being "under criminal investigation" and to give some number a call. She also got one about being under IRS investigation.

It's getting tough out there to stay on top of all this crap

my mom and both her sisters (all their 80s- 2 in CA, 1 in NY) got the "grandma" call, which is apparently a thing.

a young voice on the other end says "hi grandma!"... old lady usually says "hi *name-of-grandkid* " and off it goes.

"grandma- I'm in trouble/jail/something and need money"...

extended con game until the old lady either coughs up a credit card or asks the right questions leading to grandkid hanging up. my oldest aunt got bilked out of 2k because her grandson had actually just moved to Asia which played right into the con. Why she didn't figure that grandson- who moved to asia after getting his MBA and was working for a Morgan Stanley type big finance place- would need 2k from his grandma I'll never know.

Working in a bank, I stopped one elderly person from wiring thousands to South America that way. The grandkid begs to not tell his parents and most grandparents are enablers and will go along with that request. I made her call his brother who then got the kid in question on the phone and scam averted. These people are very good and the elderly are easy targets.

Good for you, and shame on the person on the US end who enabled my aunt to lose her money.

that's exactly what happened to my aunt- "why don't you ask your parents?"... "oh- you know how THEY are". They are really good con-artists, quick on their feet, slippery and clever.

My mom got a call- "hi grandma"... "hello- who is it?"... "It's ME, grandma- your oldest granddaughter"... my mom asked a very specific question that the girl couldn't answer and so she (the scammer) quickly hung up. Mom called the cops who told her that there wasn't much she could do, other than to warn everybody she knew not to fall for it.

What's incredible to me is that they must have hacked an AARP data-base, because they know exactly who to call (old people).

 

[Chemical X]

hopefully the Smart gene skipped to your wife.

 

[hxperson]

For the OP, I'd be concerned about them installing a keystroke listener onto the computer, which will know all new passwords if she changes them. I would a immediately wipe/format the old computer or just get a new one.

 

[fatness]

What's incredible to me is that they must have hacked an AARP data-base, because they know exactly who to call (old people).

Not sure it would take much hacking. Many companies (and some state governments) sell database information. What information they sell probably varies from company to company, and there are few ways to find out who is selling what information to who.

 

[Polish Hammer]

Well, we deleted all items that were new to her computer from that day on. Also had her change all passwords and call the bank and get a new card issued with a fraud alert. Ran about 3 or 4 different scanners on her computer for malware, keyloggers, etc, and that came out clean. She did get multiple follow up calls from the same guy, which was odd. Tells me that they didn't get to do whatever it was they wanted to accomplish. Once she finally told them that she'd be happy to make a joint call to the police with them on the line they finally left her alone.

Luckily she doesn't really keep anything on the computer other than pictures of the grandkids. Hopefully this will be the last we hear of this incident on their end. Thanks for the tips from everyone.

 

[squidrope]

I kept "Jack Daniels" (strong Indian accent) on the phone for 27 minutes yesterday, while I worked on getting my Christmas tree set up. I get quite a kick out of this. I get to screw with the scammer and keep them from taking advantage of someone more gullible (for 27 minutes).

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Some indian jackass from windows support just called me, i laughed my ### off and hung up

 

[Johnny Rock]

Some indian jackass from windows support just called me, i laughed my ### off and hung up

Tell him you work at Apple too! Maybe we can meet for lunch in the cafeteria?

 

[Fennis]

have sex with her daughter

 

[Joe T]

Well, we deleted all items that were new to her computer from that day on. Also had her change all passwords and call the bank and get a new card issued with a fraud alert. Ran about 3 or 4 different scanners on her computer for malware, keyloggers, etc, and that came out clean. She did get multiple follow up calls from the same guy, which was odd. Tells me that they didn't get to do whatever it was they wanted to accomplish. Once she finally told them that she'd be happy to make a joint call to the police with them on the line they finally left her alone.

Luckily she doesn't really keep anything on the computer other than pictures of the grandkids. Hopefully this will be the last we hear of this incident on their end. Thanks for the tips from everyone.

keep us posted.