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Victim of a fake Microsoft scam I think

Anonymous
2017-04-19T21:39:07+00:00

I received a very authentic looking Microsoft popup message alerting me that my computer was blocked by Microsoft and directing me to call a xxxxxxx number to receive help.   The operator explained that I had corrupt files and through my cooperation, she took control of my system to locate corrupted areas.   I only grew suspicious when she offered a xxx.xx fix to my computer and requested personal information for the transaction.   I then disconnected and ran a windows defender complete scan, where it identified no threats on my computer. 

Has anyone else received this type of popup alert?   If this was a scam, did the scammer receive critical data such as passwords or financial data when they took over my system?   If it is a result of some malicious file, why doesn't Window Defender detect it during the scan?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Security and privacy

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  1. Monkey57 3,535 Reputation points
    2017-04-21T16:52:51+00:00

    Note -> do not use any driver helper program.... go to the MFG website.... I will be glad to help you with links to drivers, if you have issues.

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-04-21T14:58:17+00:00

    I performed a clean install of Windows 10 with the updated version.  It added some games like Candy Crush Soda and March of Empires, but took away my Windows Media Player where my music files were stored.   For some reason it allowed me to import my old favorites from Internet Explorer.   I was hesitant to import those favorites thinking they might have been infected too.   I am changing all my passwords at this time. 

    My question now is whether I can download a copy of Media Windows Players and see if it restores those music files.   Those files were stored in my Amazon Primes Music Cloud.

    Thanks for all the help.  

    P.S.  Before I performed the clean install, I had downloaded SuperAntiSpyware free version that was recommended by Mr Hagen.  It identified hundreds of threats, whereas a full scan of Windows Defender identified no threats.  Even a deep scan on Windows Defender did not identify the numerous threats that were actually prevalent. So it seems that it is useless against harmful spyware and intruders who have hijacked your system.

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  3. Monkey57 3,535 Reputation points
    2017-04-20T14:10:43+00:00

    Please consider a clean install with the Most recent Win10 Build (Creator Update):

    https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-info.aspx

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/software-download/windows10

    If you want to clean install the 'Anniversary Update' (last years build) see the link referenced by 'IJustHelping':

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10startfresh

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-04-20T13:48:36+00:00

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