[Runnoft]

I'm not sure which place to post things yet.

I got active again here for other reasons a few weeks ago.

Then, two days ago, I fell for full page pop up and got roped into a scam. The guy came in remotely and had installed Connect something and had been in my history about 35 minutes before and browsed to Turkish porn site then claimed I had been there and caused the pop up and he was microsoft and was going to fix it. I grew more suspicious and he claimed I needed to reset all my passwords and even mhy online banking.

So, I kept asking for employee ID and finally he tried to charge me. I told him he had hijacked my computer and was holding it ransom. At times he was in this short span because I couldnt type or mouse.

I finally hung up and tried to call Microsoft and called his number back and I got microsoft?

I guess they reroute calls? Cause it was definitely microsoft a few minutes later. not some guy.

I shut the comuputer down and unplugged my router and actually went and closed the small bank accoount i failed to get into while he was on because I forgot my password momentarily.

I know I'm stupid and yet, I did ok with no harm of money.

I uninstalled the Connect remote software.

Next day, I woke up my computer and he was back in.

So, I shut everything down again. I asked my son and a techy type friend who gave me a ghost copy of windows 10 which I uprgraded too.

Will that help at all? Running 10?

Or can he still get in the new software?

Before you crucify me. I'm an older guy, almost f60 had no computer in school but am ahead of mostof my peers on using one to do business.

Help this old guy out.

 

[Corday]

Do this: Malware Removal Help Posting Instructions

 

[Gary R]

If you've allowed someone remote access to your machine, then there is no limit to the number of things that could potentially have been changed, and IMO the only thing you can do to make your computer safe is to reformat and re-install.

A few years back I wrote an article on Remote Access Infections for another forum that I work from, and in essence your problem is the same as if you had one of those.

Remote Access Infections ... (why you should repave) | Free Malware Removal Forum

Remote Access Infections If you are reading this, it's most probably because you have a Remote Access Infection (RAI) on your computer, and your helper has referred you to this topic. It is IMPORTANT that you take time to read through all the posts in the

www.malwareremoval.com

As the article is now some years old, the methods for repaving (reformatting and re-installing) that are described in it are not up to date (on W10 it's much easier to do), but the threats described are every bit as real now as they were then.

 

[Runnoft]

Thanks to all. Will security software help at all. Do you purchase it on a disc or download it? How much should a common person pay? How do I know I'm keeping this particular guy out? I've changed passwords and he didn't seem to be able to get into my device sign in, so what now? I don't know if I'm eequipped to reformat or do the complicated scan and this laptop is 8 years old. Should I buy a new device?

I very much appresciate all the answers.

Thanks

 

[Corday]

If you really have a legal copy of Windows 10 you have all the security you need. If you do what Gary said, you will have removed the bad guys' access.

 

[Gary R]

Repaving a W10 machine is not difficult to do, just follow the instructions for performing a Reset contained in the following article.

Recovery options in Windows

Learn about the recovery options in Windows. Find out how to reset your PC, go back to a previous version of Windows, or use media to reinstall Windows.

support.microsoft.com

To be safe, when you get to the Reset options, really you should choose the option to Remove everything but many people are understandably reluctant to do that, so you could always opt for Keep my files > Change settings > Preinstalled apps Off you can always go for the Remove Everything option later if you find the lesser option didn't resolve things.

 

[Runnoft]

I'm going to need you guys to work on my car next. LOL.

 

[Runnoft]

If you really have a legal copy of Windows 10 you have all the security you need. If you do what Gary said, you will have removed the bad guys' access.

So, all the stuff for sale both physically say at Best Buy and Walmart is unnecessary to prevent viruses and trojans, malware, adware and even hackers? Thanks for your answers. What do you know about 99 honda civics with 240,000 miles? ha

 

[Roguecroc]

If you really have a legal copy of Windows 10 you have all the security you need. If you do what Gary said, you will have removed the bad guys' access.

Let this be a lesson, DO NOT let people into your system unless you know for sure they are from Microsoft, and that should only happen if you have contacted them, You cant guard against stupidity.

 

[Gary R]

If you have Windows 10, you don't need either a 3rd Party Firewall, or a 3rd Party Anti-Virus, Microsoft Defender is perfectly adequate for most people's needs.

As far as letting me loose on your car goes, well let's just say that if you did, you'd be walking everywhere a lot more than you currently do, that's all.

 

[Pursya]

Let this be a lesson, DO NOT let people into your system unless you know for sure they are from Microsoft, and that should only happen if you have contacted them, You cant guard against stupidity.

That last line is a bit harsh.
Guys made a mistake. A mistake tens of thousands make around the world daily.
And come here for support, not abuse.