Avast WEBforum
Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: REDACTED on May 23, 2016, 06:51:31 PM
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My friend said she opened a link in an email and a pop-up in the tab said don't turn off your computer. The malware had according to her control of her volume and the computer was screaming at her. She was freaking out and didn't remember how she shut down the computer ( pulled the cord I assume ). She got a phone call regarding the infection almost immediately. She didn't comply with his request fortunately and it seems that no damage was done. I have not yet been over to see for myself what is going on, but I thought I should raise the issue as this is the first time I've heard of a screaming pop-up followed by a phone call. A quick search of Google returned nothing. Anyone with knowledge or ideas please post. I know someone will, but please don't tell me "you shouldn't open links in emails you don't trust." If I had a dollar for every time I told her I'd be the Republican candidate. I'll add more when I know more.
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Have her come here and provide the log files as explained > http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=53253.0
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Sure sounds like a scam, would be interesting to get that link so avast and others can add it to there URL blocker
It may have been one of these >> https://blog.malwarebytes.org/threat-analysis/2014/11/psa-tech-support-scams-pop-ups-on-the-rise/
Not only are the pop-ups more alarming than ever, many also feature audio voice over that loops indefinitely.
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It is somewhat strange that after the apparent scam alerts after opening a link in an email (this is often an indication of a ransom-ware attempt), but to subsequently receive a telephone call.
How would they obtain a telephone number and subsequently have this organised attack path. Whilst there are many reports of speculative call scams by people telling you that they are from (Microsoft support, or other known service, etc.) you have a problem with your PC. It would be too much of a coincidence to receive both of these together.
As far as emails go, don't open unsolicited emails, don't open attachments in unsolicited emails and finally don't click on links in unsolicited emails.
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Besides having her email and telephone number, I would be worried about what other types of information this person has and how he obtained it. I would keep an eye on bank and credit card statements as well as credit reports and change all my important passwords.
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I know someone will, but please don't tell me "you shouldn't open links in emails you don't trust." If I had a dollar for every time I told her I'd be the Republican candidate. I'll add more when I know more.
How would they obtain a telephone number and subsequently have this organised attack path.
If the computer had been infected for some time, then she could have been specifically targeted?
So that computer sure need a check by Essexboy
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Thanks for all the replies. I have to go out to her house to get the fix started. She is not computer literate. As soon as I can I'll get the information to you.