I was enjoying life until a few days when that suddenly changed. Like most days, I was on my desktop computer on the internet on Pinterest, of all places, when my computer suddenly locked up and I was seeing a message on my screen telling me to call a specific number. In the background was a verbal message that my system had been attacked by a Trojan virus. I started to just cut it off, but unfortunately, in a panic, I called the number.
The conversation with the voice at the other end of the line seemed like a typical tech support conversation, including the request to download software on my computer so he could assist. I watched as it went through all the files on my computer, and I still thought this was a Microsoft tech as that was how he identified himself. The “virus” supposedly attacked my bank and my phone. He then asked me to log into my bank account. When I asked him why his demeanor changed and he became more threatening. Regrettably, I logged into my bank account and saw everything was okay and immediately logged out. It wasn’t until he asked if I had any other bank accounts that I knew I was talking to a hacker and not a Microsoft tech. When I told him “no,” he got angry and hung up.
I ran to where my husband was and told him we needed to get to the bank right away. I started taking steps to secure my finances. My banker reassured me that everything would be okay even though it didn’t seem that way at the moment.
It has taken me days of phone calls and taking other security measures. By this time, even though I felt I had taken all the appropriate measures to combat any further problems, I had this inconsolable sense of guilt because I had done this to myself!
After some research, I found I had been the victim of the Mictosoft scam. I contacted my internet security group that provided my software, and they scanned my computer and didn’t find anything, but he advised me not to use it for online banking or bill paying. To ease my mind, I went out and purchased another computer.
If you find your system under attack, simply shut it down. The malware is designed to attack the browser. If I had simply shut my system down and restarted, I would have saved myself a lot of grief.
While my identity lies somewhat in limbo, I refuse to let a techy beast interrupt my life any further. I certainly have learned a painful lesson to not take anything at face value.
I most likely will be paying my bills the old-fashioned way now, but it will be worth it. While most of us have an “online life”, you should take precaution: change your passwords routinely, check your credit reports often (Credit Karma does not charge), stick to well known sites, update your security software.
I will move on and recover from this. Hope this helps you all think more securely.
Have a blessed day. The sun WILL come up again.
Through My Eyes 