I am on a friend's computer right now, because my daughter has my tower to fix. On 11/12/11, I sent a package to a gal down in LA. On 11/14/11, I received an email from the USPS. So I thought it was telling me that the package had the wrong address on it. They gave me an attachment that was an application to retrieve the package, and correct the address. I clicked on it, and Norton said it was not a virus.
That is when everything went to panic mode. Things began to lock up, then go black. When I rebooted, all the files that were suppose to be open were locked out. It said I had a hard drive/memory/document failure. I then noticed that 4700 of my pictures, documents, crafts, and everything was gone. I was to click on this one button to have them fix it.
No, I wasn't that panicked. I called my daughter who explained to me what it was. It's called "System Fix", and it's a rogue virus. It tells you that all these problems are happening, which are not, but you don't know that. Then it tells you that they can fix them with a click on this button.
When you do, they change all the stuff that is wrong except a few that are "too hard to fix". But, they can fix them for just $29.99 or whatever price they choose. They need just a little bit of information, like your credit card and Social Security number, etc. Then, they fix it, and then they have you. All that information is theirs to do with what they want.
It's nasty, looks legit, and is not easily fixed unless you know computers like my daughter and others do. The reasons I let it, is it seemed legit. For one, they knew the date I sent the package. For two, the virus blocker didn't block it. They are that good at looking like they are there to help.
So here is my advice; get an external hard drive and back up your system each week. Or get some CD's and do the same. Never click on something that looks "hinky" because this scared me too bad to ever take a chance. If something happens and you get a "system fix" virus. STOP! Have someone who knows what they are doing help. The more you try and fix it without the proper tools, the longer you will be without the use of your computer.
I hope this helps even one person.
By Sandi/Poor But Proud from Salem, OR
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This is not the first time I hear that Norton did not stop such a virus. Kapersky is much much safer (no publicity here just a reliable anti-virus.
This is actually a mass mailing spam. I've gotten half a dozen saying there was a problem with my package. Since I haven't mailed anything, I knew it was a scam. If there was a problem, the PO would have returned the package to you, not sent an email.
Just remember to NEVER open attachments unless you are expecting it. Most places won't send you an email like this. If there is a problem, they'll tell you and have a link, not an attachment.
There is also an email going around saying you've gotten a ticket; again, its a virus.
When my daughter fixed this, she installed a much newer and safer malware sytem on my computer, as well as updated the windows. I didn't think anything about it since I actually had sent a package on the date they said it.
This is the real question. Did you give USPS your email address? If you didn't the email is a hoax. Getting an email saying your bank account needs looking into? Did you give the bank your email address? No? Then it's a hoax. Likewise credit cards, mortgage companies etc. Hesitate and ask did I give my bank, my credit card company, the post office etc my email address and when you realize you didn't you know its a hoax.
Norton got a bad rep a few years ago with allowing viruses to come into your computer. As soon as this happened to several of our friends we switched to Avast. Norton knew all along they were allowing this to happen.
Avast is free and must be updated daily but you can do that automatically. You can also buy a good version of Avast.
I am so sorry this happened to you and one last thought. Buy a hard drive to keep your data stored in. That can allow you to retrieve any lost data if you back it up regularly. You can get them as a portable.
That is a great question Lilac. And no, I didn't. What I failed to do was just stop and think. About a year ago, my paypal was hacked. I didn't notice that in the title, it was spelled PayPall...who had the right logo and everything.
I had to order an authenticator card for 5.00 that when pressed, changed the code to enter for any information. It's been worth every penny.
I now look at my computer as a castle with a moat. There be dragons out there, but if I keep the water high and the gates closed, I will be safe.
Hope this analogy is a good one to keep in mind. Sandi/Poor But Proud
I am so sorry you ended up with this problem, Sandi :-( As I've said before I never click on an email link but rather copy and paste it in my search engine. Because I use McAfee when I copy and paste the link into the search engine McAfee immediately alerts me whether it's even a safe link to open or not.
Another thing you can do for the future (in case you get a virus again) is to download Malwarebytes right now. Instead of clicking 'run' first click 'save' first, save it to your documents and make a shortcut for it on your desktop. Then go ahead and run it for future daily, weekly, monthly use. The reason I say to save the installation first is because once a virus enters it automatically takes over and overrides all of your current downloaded security.
When a virus comes in immediately shut down your computer, take a deep breath and regain your sanity ;-) Then restart in safe mode not using the internet option, do a complete computer search and completely uninstall Malwarebytes, its components and then empty the recycle bin (remember, the virus has taken over your security buffers).
Now shut down the computer again (to take another deep breath - LOL), restart in safe mode using internet option this time, go to your desktop and download Malwarebytes again. Now it will be fresh and unadulterated.
The next step is to run a Malwarebytes 'quick' scan. The virus will show up almost immediately but do not panic and do not do anything until Malwarebytes completes the quick scan (usually about 6 to 10 minutes). Then just follow the prompts to quarantine/remove the virus. I always also delete the virus from quarantine after that. Now go ahead and restart your computer in regular mode and you will be virus free. Malwarebytes has never, ever failed me using this technique :-)
For a completely safe and free download of Malwarebytes go to this link:
download.cnet.com/
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