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Ransomware Scam from Popup call 855-206-2500

Anonymous
2017-04-21T13:48:13+00:00

We got a ransomware scam and called this number 855-206-2500. They then did a screen connect to "correct" the problems and worked on the computer for almost an hour. The computer is running Windows 10. They said they fixed the issues and wanted $200 as a fee for correcting the issues. I talked with these people and the claim to be "Microsoft certified engineers" and we helping us.

When I found out this had been done, I unplugged the computer, turned off all internet access and changed all our passwords. I am running full Windows Defender scans but do not know what to do next. I considering about wiping the hard drive clean, reformat and reinstall the OS. I have lots of files and pictures on the system but am concerned to move them to a backup, with the fear of reinfecting the new system. Is there a way to check those files to be sure they are clean of any ransom ware or viruses?

I am uncertain of the files and system and would like to get it cleaned, but because of the breach in security do not trust the system.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Security and privacy

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-04-21T14:36:36+00:00

    This sounds more like a popup that freezes your screen and asks you to call for support. Is that what it was?

    It's a common scam that you could have ended with the Task Manager. Now you must consider everything on your computer has been compromised. Passwords, PIN numbers, financial account information. A clean install of Windows is the best option, but at the very least, the following.

    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

    Next, follow the instructions here even if the pop up is gone.

    http://malwaretips.com/blogs/remove-tech-support-scam-popups/

    Also run this tool.

    SuperAntiSpyware (Free version)

    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/

    5 people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2017-05-05T10:20:13+00:00

    Hi Kiva,

    To provide the best solution, we'd like to learn more and narrow down the issue. Can you confirm if you have done the suggested solution provided by https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/profile/f6bc4688-4199-4d7b-b25d-a255b890ada4**Bruce Hagen**, dated April 21, 2017? If so, we'd appreciate if you can share the result to us.

    Hope to hear from you soon.

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2017-05-05T09:11:09+00:00

    I  got  same  thing  and  they  did corrupt  my  windows 10.How  do I fix it?

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2017-04-21T14:53:44+00:00
    1. Change your passwords on a different machine, not the one they had access to.
    2. If the computer is used for banking, contact your bank(s) and tell them you were a victim of a scam and what do they advise.
    3. The documents and pictures should be safe. I would copy them onto an external drive and run a couple anti-virus/malware programs on them.
    4. Clean install the O/S onto your system.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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