877-418-3938

I got a message, read out loud, prompting me to call this number (as if from microsoft), telling me I had a virus that needed fixing before I made any purchases via internet. Couldn't get rid of the page until I turned off the computer.

I got the same message about the same time you did. It's a phishing scam (I verified that with Microsoft). They recommend that you DO NOT open any pop-ups or call the number they give you. Hope that helps!

I made the mistake of calling the # because I couldn't close the page, on my computer. I let the "tech" into my computer and he showed me  all the suspicious activity. He said my ip address is damaged and their (Microsoft's) level 7 tech could repair it for $249.99. Now I am afraid that they can steal info or watch what I am doing. What can I do now after being so stupid? By the way he lowered the fee to $149, I told him i will think about it and get back to him.

>> I let the "tech" into my computer  <<

Since the scammers accessed the computer, they probably did one or more of the following:
• Disabled the anti-virus software
• Added nasty malware to the computer
• Copied the Contact List (so they can spam/email your soon-to-be ex-friends)
• Copied any financial data or passwords they could find
• Compromised your ID
• "Zombied" the computer, so it would respond to THEIR commands sent via internet
• Deleted some important files
• Asked for money to repair the damage they caused

What can you do immediately after such an attack?
1.  Pull the cables on the computer, or otherwise disable it, so it cannot access the internet.
2.  Change ALL  passwords stored on the computer.
3.  Run FULL malware scans on the computer, in "SAFE" mode!
4.  Change the passwords again, particularly if the malware scans showed anything.
5.  Inform your bank and credit card companies.
6.  Sign up for credit monitoring, and check the status frequently
7.  You may have to bring the computer to a local repair shop, and tell them the story.
8.  Tell friends what happened, so they can be aware of strange emails from you.
9.  Connect to the internet only AFTER all the above have been done.
10.  Change the passwords on all online accounts.  Even better - access a "safe", uninfected  computer, and change your online account passwords RIGHT NOW.

NOTE:
If your computer set a "Restore Point" while it was infected, any "System Restore" you make will re-infect your computer.  Suggest you delete any potentially infected restore points and avoid setting such restore points until after your computer has been thoroughly cleaned!

You fell for one scam, and might be susceptible to others mentioned on this site:
http://phonehelp.2truth.com/facts.html
Read that info to educate and help protect yourself!

Honest computer companies do NOT cold-call people, or cause popups from websites to tell them their computers need fixing!

Some scammers even have websites, and falsely advertise they are associated with popular software packages or computer companies; so do NOT believe a "we will fix your computer remotely" site, and allow them access to your computer!

Read the info at these links.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Cold-Call-Tech ... on-150170.shtml
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0346-tech-support-scams

Lesson:
If your computer needs fixing, bring it to a local repair shop

Remember to return here, to 800notes.com, after you look at any of the information at the above sites, either to post more information, or to let us know you avoided the scam or fixed the computer correctly.

Paula, your computer has been hacked, and your personal data likely stolen. It's already too late to fix now, and your computer cannot be trusted. All information on your computer should be considered as stolen.

Make a backup of your personal data (My Documents folder or what-have-you) to a USB flash drive, then take to computer to a trusted local computer store and have them WIPE the drive and re-install Windows. Change all your passwords, your bank passwords, list your credit cards as stolen to get new cards...you get the idea.

Use Firefox as a web browser, install NoScript (to block hacking on web pages), and use Lastpass to store your passwords.

"He said my ip address is damaged" -- fake BS technospeak to scare newbies.
"level 7 tech" -- BS again.