I knew I was thick, but...

[Astra]

this is a warning to all my Bowel buddies!

today I was the victim of an Internet Scam.
I got a phone call from Microsoft to tell me log on to my computer cos there were viruses and that they needed to fix them, so I did.
I was on the phone for over 40 mins and quite concerned about viruses etc.
He said he was a certified tech with Microsoft. I said that I've got Norton Security but he convinced me that it wasn't working. So like a naive stupid git I gave him my Mastercard creditcard details for a £60 fee, for 4 years protection and super fast browsing etc.

AARRGH! someone bloody well kick my arse!

Anyway, within minutes, they took over my computer using remote control.
They got into my Yahoo account and deleted 2 emails from Microsoft that I didn't get chance to read. I actually saw the cursor delete them!
I panicked! OMG!
I phoned Mastercard, £190 had been taken out, so I cancelled the card.
I have to wait til Monday now to speak to Mastercard dispute about it. It's not just about the money, I have credit card protection, so hopefully I might get the money back, dunno?
I can't use my laptop now, it's been compromised. I suspect there's a Spyware or Malware or Phishing device in there just waiting for me to log onto my online banking accounts etc.
I am using Jordan's laptop to write this.
Microsoft have told me that they can't trace this and warned me that they would NEVER cold call anyone like this.
I'm hoping the Tech guys at work can fix this for me, or just bin the laptop and buy a new one
I have been sooooooooooo stupid and I am soooooooo angry with myself!

 

[David]

Awww, that sucks Con men can be SO CONVINCING at times and they prey upon our fears. Don't be angry with yourself, it could happen to anyone.

Since the guys got remote access on your computer, I'd personally do a complete reformat. But your tech guys will know better than me.

*hugs*

 

[bamboling]

Sorry! I have heard of this happening before, and i got an email about spamming on PayPal. Some people just seem so convincing! I had a guy call and say he was taking my husband to court due to some unpaid credit card in 2006 (found out now he didn't evn the card). I almost gave the guy the money offer the phone in a 'settlement'. My husband called as I was about do it! Saved my arse on that one!

 

[xJillx]

Don't beat yourself up, Joan. These con men can be so good! I am sure most of us can say we've been duped before. All you can do is live and learn and warn your friends and family.

 

[MADiMarc]

Oh, Joan! That so totally sucks! Those conmen are so convincing! It not only costs time and money it makes you feel violated, doesn't it?

 

[JJ_777]

Please don't beat yourself up!!! If scammers were not convincing they wouldn't exist!!!

 

[Keona]

It is funny you mention this because I was talking to someone a few weeks ago (she is an older senior) and she barely knows how to turn on her computer and she received a similar phone call. Not sure if they said they were Microsoft (I think they did) and they told her to turn on her computer too... she refused to open her laptop (only b/c her son was there at the time)... the guy told her she had viruses as well.... wow... makes one wonder how people sleep at night...

I am sorry that happened to you Joan... Hope you believe in Karma..

did you get your money back?.. what about your work...did they help you reformat your computer?

 

[Astra]

Hiya everyone

Thanks for the support, and yes I've learnt my lesson, and yes I'm not beating myself up any more!
Wendy I've got to wait til tomorrow til I go into work to ask the tech men there and can only phone about the money when I get home.

This man was so convincing, next time I will just hang up!
I'm using Jordan's laptop til I get sorted, I'm too scared to even turn mine on!
xxx

 

[rygon]

I believe my mates mum was nearly involved with a scam. "bristish gas" phoned her up saying they could get her cheap boiler insurance .. went on for a bit and she was about to hand over her card details until i asked who had phoned who. I then told them that they can send over a paper form to the address or give their name and we would ring them back immediately on the british gas phone No. They were adament they could do either so I put the phone down.

Good luck in getting your money back. Im sure the tech guys will be able to fix it (dont forget to ask them to back up any photos etc which you want to keep)

 

[KittyPants]

Those people are really slick. Don't beat yourself up over it. That said, if you have another computer, I would go change the passwords to your email account . (If it wasn't already suggested.) And anything else you can think of that would be important just in case they grabbed stuff from your email or other parts of your pc.

If they were doing it in person they may not have been fast enough, but if they had any sort of automated process, who knows? And maybe you can recover the deleted emails? At least knowing some of it is secure may give you some peace.

Hugs!

 

[Misty-Eyed]

Ah Joan, that really sucks. I'm sorry *hugs*. At least it's all fixable? Don't beat yourself up about it too much. At least you'll know next time!