08/20/2018
If you get a popup on your computer claiming your computer has a virus or contains illegal/inappropriate content and you need to call a phone number to give someone access to "fix" it, do NOT call the number.
Another variation is an unsolicited call from someone claiming your computer has a virus, etc. and they need access to fix it, usually claiming to be from Microsoft or another well-known computer company. Hang up the phone and block the calling number.
This is a scam, and we get reports on a regular basis from people who have fallen for it. They will ask for anywhere from $200-$600 for a year of "protection", usually payable via bank draft, and will install a remote management program and fake antivirus on your computer to make you think they did something legitimate.
If you get something like this, close your browser if possible and reboot your computer (pull the power plug as a last resort if you have to) and most of the time when you turn it back on the message will be gone and no harm has been done.
If you still get the popup after rebooting, or if you've fallen for the scam and already given them access, bring it by our office and we'll fix it for a reasonable price without asking for your bank account information.
But we'd much prefer not to have to fix issues like this at all! Scams like this hurt everyone.
