Beware of a New Microsoft Scam Alert!!! Yesterday when I was surfing the Internet on Microsoft Edge to get information on a local event, Kids Fun Fair which I blogged about yesterday. My computer opened up in a new window with both a written and voice message, which appeared to be an official Microsoft website with a message stating:
Your computer has notified Microsoft Security that it has detected potential threats that might compromise your privacy and damage your computer. Someone is stealing your passwords and account information. You need to call us immediately at 888-710-8846 to clean your computer and prevent it from crashing.
The message also goes on to say that this is causing a danger to Microsoft as well, and if you do not call immediately, Microsoft will shut down your computer. The voice message is very loud and echos in a very treating sound.
This is a SCAM, and what is actually happening is when you log onto a legitimate website like the one I did which has been hacked. These scammers are able to change the setting on your computer for Microsoft Edge to automatically open up in their page, and change your settings to make them your homepage. It not only open one window, it opens up about six windows, which is why there is an echo effect.
They have also managed to keep you from "X" out of the page, and the only way to initially close out of Microsoft Edge is through the "Task Manager". However, when you try to open Microsoft Edge again the same thing happens. So in order to correct this problem you need to go into you settings and Internet Properties to change it back to your homepage.
After I set my homepage back to what it should be I did a Full Virus Scan and it reported my computer was clean. So apparently what they initially do is create the urgent message to call them, and when you call their 888-710-8846 number, they will talk you into letting them go into your computer to clean up the problem. However, what they will actually do steal all of your personal information.
What initially tipped me off that this was a hoax, was that when finally managed to close down Microsoft Edge, and Opened FireFox, which is what I normally surf the Internet with, I did not get the same message.
Be very careful with this New Microsoft Scam Alert, and if you do not know how to change your homepage back to the proper settings make sure you contact someone who does immediately. But under no circumstances call the 888-710-8846 number!!!
*************************************************************************************************
Info about the author:
George Souto NMLS# 65149 is a Loan Originator who can assist you with all your #FHA, #CHFA, and #Conventional #mortgage needs in Connecticut. George resides in Middlesex County which includes #Middletown, #Middlefield, #Durham, #Cromwell, #Portland, #Higganum, #Haddam, #East Haddam, #Moodus, #Chester, #Deep River, and #Essex. George can be contacted at (860) 573-1308 or gsouto@mccuemortgage.com
Comments(21)