Computer Help and Support

CanSocDem

(3,286 posts) Sat Oct 28, 2017, 05:20 PM Oct 2017

Have I been tricked....??? [View all]

Last night while cruising YouTube, my computer suddenly locked down and an audio loop began running, warning me not to 'turn off my computer or risk losing ALL my files etc.'

The only solution apparently was to call a 800 number and a pleasant fellow from India said he would help me. At these times I tend to believe these guys...they're smarter than me.

We chatted and I let him into my computer to search for the virus. To make a long story shorter, he talked me into an anti-virus program for $799.99 USD for lifetime protection. He freed up my computer on the promise that I would send him a payment on Monday.

What can he do if I don't fulfil my promise? Did they originate the 'lockdown' to attract customers like me? Since they already went into my computer "searching" do they now own it?

.

25 replies

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Highlight:

Have I been tricked....??? [View all] CanSocDem Oct 2017 OP

YES, YES, YES janterry Oct 2017 #1

Yes, I think so unfortunately. Read this story which gives an example of such a scam... PoliticAverse Oct 2017 #2

"he talked me into an anti-virus program for $799.99" left-of-center2012 Oct 2017 #3

Do Not Send That Payment!!! Frustratedlady Oct 2017 #4

Follow Frustratedlady's advice and if it ever happens again, locking your screen, etc., just DonViejo Oct 2017 #5

What the ever loving .... Egnever Nov 2017 #21

No, that was after buying a DELL desktop. He definitely didn't overcharge me. Frustratedlady Nov 2017 #22

Ok but still Egnever Nov 2017 #23

The same thing happened to me solara Oct 2017 #6

"I don't know how they can disrupt someones computer like that." earthshine Oct 2017 #14

Thank you! solara Oct 2017 #16

I am sorry this happened. pangaia Oct 2017 #7

Some sites send that message - packman Oct 2017 #8

Good news AND bad news. CanSocDem Oct 2017 #9

call your bank/card company right now and stop payments!!! janterry Oct 2017 #10

My bank is closed on Saturdays. CanSocDem Oct 2017 #12

On the back of your card janterry Oct 2017 #13

yes, on the back of bank card is 800 number-OP has to call immediately. cancel that card. Sunlei Oct 2017 #19

Do you have a atm card? Phentex Oct 2017 #17

SCAM!!!!!!! Chasstev365 Oct 2017 #11

He freed up my computer ... earthshine Oct 2017 #15

yeah, you've been tricked into letting someone have remote access to your computer. Sunlei Oct 2017 #18

and put a freeze on your credit Phentex Oct 2017 #20

All's well. CanSocDem Nov 2017 #24

glad we could help! nt steve2470 Nov 2017 #25