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"Secure Software Solutions" computer virus

Anonymous
2017-03-11T21:00:57+00:00

Our home computer froze recently, and a popup window directed us to call this number 1-888-611-1391.  We called and they directed us to "Premium Securities Advisors" or "Secure Software Solutions".  Has anyone heard of these companies?  They gained access to our computer using gotoassist, and claimed our computer could crash any minute and we'd lose everything.  Then they sold us Symantec EndPoint Protection.  I haven't been able to confirm the legitimacy of any of this.  Has anyone out there had a similar experience?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Security and privacy

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Monkey57 3,630 Reputation points
    2017-03-11T23:53:01+00:00

    Unfortunately, it appears you were scammed into letting someone untrusted remotely into your computer.  It is one of the worse types of compromises, and exposes you to a host of continuing risks.

    Scammers (you have granted suspicious remote access) have been found to use a combination of legitimate tools and hacker tools (RATS) to maintain a direct connection to your device and/or con you with ...   Scans will not necessarily remove or find their compromises;  to the safety, security, and stability of your computer.

    After allowing untrusted individual(s) direct/remote access to your computer from a Tech Support scam, you should do a  Reset(Remove Everything) or Clean Installchange All your passwords from a safe device (or this one after a Clean Install), talk to the Fraud Dept of your Financial Institution to report them and recover money, if spent (tell them you were scammed with a fake tech support scam), and watch your bank acct(s) & credit cards closely.

    Know what you were subscribed to, by the scammer!  And make sure you cancel & report to your financial institution(s), all the Credit Card(s) you may have used.

    ▓►Avoid a post. Backup your data.◄▓ -{from the signature of Bruce Hagen(MS-MVP)}

    Make sure your data is backed upand 'Win 8.1 Reset(Remove Everything)' and/or Win8.1 Clean install, then install your desired AV solution (if any, besides the suggested Win8.1 Windows Defender).... 

    Help: I Got Hacked. Now What Do I Do?

    https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc700813.aspx

    Verify yourbackup ('FileHistory' and/or verify your OneDrive Sync).

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-files/how-do-i-automatically-backup-word-docs-onto-the/a0977ed7-e796-405b-be25-fa41441fc4b0

    Create the media from a safe computer.

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17085/windows-8-restore-refresh-reset-pc

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-03-11T21:06:58+00:00

    Unfortunately, you fell for a well known scam. The popup you saw could have been easily been removed by ending the browsing session with the Task Manager. Now, you must consider everything on your PC has been compromised. Passwords, PIN numbers, financial information, etc.

      From Quietman, see: I have been hacked...What should I do?  
    

    http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/407147/answers-to-common-security-questions-best-practices/?p=3071944

      And this from the FTC:  
    
      Tech Support Scams  
    
      [https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0346-tech-support-scams](https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0346-tech-support-scams)  
    
      Next, follow the instructions here even if the pop up is gone.  
    
      [http://malwaretips.com/blogs/remove-tech-support-scam-popups/](http://malwaretips.com/blogs/remove-tech-support-scam-popups/)  
    
      Also run this tool.  
    
      SuperAntiSpyware (Free version)  
    
      [http://www.superantispyware.com/](http://www.superantispyware.com/)  
    
      Please read:  
    
      PSA: Tech Support Scams Pop-Ups on the Rise   
    

    https://blog.malwarebytes.org/fraud-scam/2014/11/psa-tech-support-scams-pop-ups-on-the-rise/

      Breaking down a notably sophisticated tech support scam M.O.  
    

    https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/mmpc/2017/03/02/breaking-down-a-notably-sophisticated-tech-support-scam-m-o/

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