Internet scams are nothing new. Viruses, spyware, and malware have been around for years. The problem today is that some of these scams look very official and the average person is fooled into spending money only to make matters worse.
Let’s take a look at what typically happens. A window appears on your screen notifying you that you have x amount of corrupted files caused by a virus. It will offer you a button to click on to do a free scan of your system. You click on it and the program simulates a scan then tells you that you can rid your system of all this nasty stuff by clicking on another button. When you do it tells you that you can download a program to fix these problems. When you continue it says that it will cost you $56. You give them your credit card number, then download the program.
Now you have just made matters worse and you’ve been taken! This company, probably in Russia, has your credit card information and your computer is now trash until you call a technician.
If this is above your confidence level, then just turn off your machine and call a tech, or take your tower or laptop to a repair facility. If you did proceed and do the download you will want to call your bank, cancel that transaction and you probably will want a new credit card!
It’s sad to say, but we should constantly be aware of scams. Never give out any passwords and only credit card information if you are absolutely positive of whom you are dealing with.