Is this some type of hacker scam???

[dougers31]

So my mom just called me and said she got a phone call from someone who said they were from windows7(thick accent, maybe middle eastern) and they asked her to bring up windows(she has a new laptop), then asked her if she saw any stars on the screen(I don't know if she said she had any or not). Then they told her to hit the start button and to hit control and the R key... My mom did what they said but then got suspicious, told them she couldn't understand what they were saying and hung up. She said when she hit control R that the password space filled up with dots and now she can't remove them. I told her it most likely is some type of scam but I wasn't sure what they they would be trying to accomplish.


Any computer experts out there that can help???

 

[btkrausen]

She needs to be scanning with malware and antivirus software. Sounds like to me she got some type of trojan or rootkit on her machine and they needed her to complete some installation or something like that. Her best bet is to download the software (MalwareBytes, SuperAntiSpyware, etc) and then disconnect from the internet before she scans. If its malware or trojan they are likely using her machine to run attacks, send spam, etc.

 

[cdness]

Yeah hitting start then Ctrl-R just opens the Run option. They were probably attempting to finalize something that installed on her machine. Malicious for sure.

I temd to lean towards Spybot Search and Destroy and Adaware for spyware and MalwareBytes and XSoftSpy for trojans/malware.

Make sure her antivirus is up-to-date with updates. If not, Microsoft has a free one "Security Essentials" or something like that. I lean towards Avast if you need a good free antivirus software. Never had an issue (knocks on wood).

 

[ToXIc]

normally i would recommend removal.. but if they know as much as a phone number.. you should either factory wipe it or open an case with the internet fraud bureau

 

[btkrausen]

Yeah hitting start then Ctrl-R just opens the Run option. They were probably attempting to finalize something that installed on her machine. Malicious for sure.

I temd to lean towards Spybot Search and Destroy and Adaware for spyware and MalwareBytes and XSoftSpy for trojans/malware.

Make sure her antivirus is up-to-date with updates. If not, Microsoft has a free one "Security Essentials" or something like that. I lean towards Avast if you need a good free antivirus software. Never had an issue (knocks on wood).

Spybot was the one I couldn't think of, haha, which is why I put etc :)

Dougers31, Tell your mom not to buy anything online, go to her bank, etc until she can get it cleared up.

 

[cdness]

Good point Toxic, if they have a number they know too much already... A report to the fraud bureau would be a good idea just to have it on file. Also may want to put your credit cards on fraud alert as well just in case she was doing any online banking or purchasing. Change passwords to something secure after a wipe, or thourough cleaning. If you don't have a "computer guy" handy take it to a professional.

 

[returnofsid]

Has she called Microsoft recently, for any support help? That's the ONLY way they would have her phone number. If so, Microsoft would have also given her a "case number." If NOT, it's definitely some kind of scam. The ONLY reason Microsoft would be calling her is if she'd recently called them, for support help. They would be calling back to continue the support or to get feedback, about her support experience.

 

[dougers31]

Thanks for all the info folks! :)