Virus Removal & Online Scams
TOTAL MALWARE REMOVAL & PROTECTION
Malware Removal We employ a unique malware & virus removal process, perfected over many years of virus elimination, to ensure that your system is cleaned up and running malware-free. After removing everything unnecessary, we offer a number of Internet security solutions based on your needs — many of which do not include any additional or yearly fees — including an adblocker to protect against future malware infestations.
macOS users rarely contract malware not because of Apple’s “Fort Knox levels of security,” but because viruses are written to infect the most possible users: 85% still use Windows. Even so, thanks to increased security, user education, along with an overall familiarity with the Internet – traditional malware is no longer as prevalent as it once was — even in Windows. A New Threat? Sadly, once it became harder to infect computers with malware, — scammers began targeting users pocketbooks directly — just as life always finds a way, online fraudsters have invented new and sinister methods to prey on potential victims…
Scammer Tactics
The scammer will often call potential victims directly – claiming to be from Microsoft or other large tech company. They use remote access software to access your computer, and at the very least will attempt to peddle unnecessary “cleanup utilities.” And if you don’t comply, prepare for the scammer to lock you out of your own system using a password only they know.
Thankfully, in such circumstances, data recovery of important files is possible.
Refund Scams
But that’s pretty tame compared to “refund scams” — Thousands of dollars disappear in moments — and they’ve found a way to make this practice completely untraceable. It starts out seemingly innocent with the scammer offering congratulates on receiving a “$500 refund.”
Once connected to the victim’s computer, the scammer accesses online banking. Instead of “transferring $500,” he “accidentally types too many zeroes, and actually transfers $5,000.”
They Prey on Empathy
This is made to look believable by temporarily blanking out the user’s screen while manipulating the inspect tool in Google Chrome. No real money was ever transferred by the scammer.
And now they prey on empathy. The scammer says that their “mistaken transfer” cannot be reversed.
These are generally their next words:
Once the scammer obtains the gift card redemption codes, their mission is complete, and their victim will never see that money again.
Attacks on Northern VA Residents
In 2020, one of our customers in Alexandria was scammed for $5,000 by an overseas refund scammer. This is happening to our family and neighbors who are either over-trusting or just don’t know any better. Even if you haven’t experienced any of the above, please educate those close to you about this ever-growing issue so that they won’t fall victim to these latest online threats.
Mount Vernon Computers removes malware, viruses, spyware, adware, ransomware, Trojan horses, rootkits, and other unwanted, unintended software.
Monday-Saturday
by appointment
info[at]mtvernoncomputers.com
703-635-4265
Serving Alexandria • Mount Vernon • Rose Hill • Ft. Hunt
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