Beware Of An Online Scam...

I just got my computer back on after 3 days. On Sunday morning, as I was actually on here, my computer slowed down and then basically stopped. A white page popped up, with an FBI logo, stating that my computer was locked, that I had downloaded illegal files and that I had to go to a local Rite-Aid, purchase a Money-Pak for $200 dollars in cash only, come back, type the code number in and have my computer become unlocked 12 hours later. It also said that if I failed to comply within 48 hours, my computer would be locked and a federal case would be made against me.

 

Now, I should have known it was a scam, but anytime you see anything like this and you're not a technological whiz like others, you panic. So, I went out, purchased this Money-Pak, typed the code in and waited 12 hours. Nothing. 20 hours. Nothing. Eventually, I call Dell and they tell me it's a scam. And that as of now, over 2 Million people have been fucked with this virus.

 

Just wanted to give anyone out there a heads up. If this happens, DON'T BUY MONEY-PAK! Immediately call Dell. I just got off the phone with this guy from India. I had to do basically wipe out my computer back to the purchase date with this CD they sent me. If you see this come up on your computer, as nervous as you initially might be by seeing something with an FBI logo, don't buy into it. Call Dell. It's a scam. I've been told I will be refunded my $200 but I'm doubting that. We'll see. Just wanted to get it out there. Beware.

That's awful, Rich.

 

Seems like today is the day for internet assholes, eh?

It's insanity. It really is. You can't be careful enough anymore. I'm usually great with avoiding scams like this. But I mean, holy shit. You see something with the FBI and fedaral cases and you worry, you know? I intially considered calling the local cops after this, because I figured using the FBI logo and acting as the FBI would be illegal. But, after the number of complaints they've had, I'm positive they have been told all they need to know.

Yeah, they're getting more and more clever, too.

I was on the phone with this guy for 4 fucking hours. Nicest guy in the world. He walked me through everything. Initially, the CD didn't even respond. I had to unplug everything on the computer, wait it out and then everything was virtually wiped out.

 

My internet right now looks the way it did when I was in like fucking 9th grade. Eventually, I'm gonna upgrade everything back to normal. For now, forget it. I'm way too lazy after that ordeal.

Yeah, they're getting more and more clever, too.

 

Definitely. Smart how they do it with cash now instead of a CC because they know you'll be told it's a scam and it won't go through. This, it's just cash so there really isn't much, if any, trail.

 

Just such a pain in the ass. You can't go into any sites anymore.

So the virus has earned the guy $400 mil? I'm sorry but that guy would go down as a fucking genius if that's true.

As of now, it's gotten him a couple hundred million, as per what I was told. Absolute genius, yeah. Just sucks to be one of the people scammed.

It ranges from all sorts of shit. My uncles friend had the thing come up. His said for illegally downloading child porn or something, and that he had to pay $300 dollars. Another friend of mine had something for child porn AND beastiality, and he had to pay $100, but was allowed to do so with his CC. Eventually, his computer went back on. But, in light of what happened, he's gotta be careful with his card to make sure it isn't charged some more moving forward with this thing.

 

They said I illegally downloaded files or something. My "penalty" was for $200 bucks. So, it's varying from person to person.

So is Rite Aid in on this too or some shit?

Sucks for sure. It why why why would anyone who gets some pop up like this not go to another computer's search engine and just search under te problem that is happening. You would find out in 5 seconds that it's a scam and not real.

 

I actually had this virus happen before. Had to reformat. Searched about it on my phone and found out it was a scam in a few seconds. I just reformat to be safe.

In the future, the likelihood of the Feds sending you to Rite Aid is slim.

It wasn't necessarily that. It said for me to purchase Money-Pak. It gave a listing of places that had that, and that was the closest thing to it.

 

Again, I should have known it was a scam. But, anytime you see shit involving the Feds, you freak out alittle bit.

In the future, the likelihood of the Feds sending you to Rite Aid is slim.

 

:+1: Definitely would have put up a red flag to go to a place like Rite-Aid, CVS, Duane Reade to buy this money-pak thing. If anything, if it was from the "FBI" I would have tried to get in touch with someone at an FBI office to ask them about this.

 

:+1: Definitely would have put up a red flag to go to a place like Rite-Aid, CVS, Duane Reade to buy this money-pak thing. If anything, if it was from the "FBI" I would have tried to get in touch with someone at an FBI office to ask them about this.

 

And put yourself on their radar? No thanks

Sucks dude.

 

Hope you get the money back.

And put yourself on their radar? No thanks

 

Well if you're not doing anything illegal then it shouldnt be a problem

And put yourself on their radar? No thanks

 

Hiding something?

 

Hiding something?

 

I have nothing illegal but somethings might be hard to explain lol

I have nothing illegal but somethings might be hard to explain lol

 

4chan grand dragon.

In the future, the likelihood of the Feds sending you to Rite Aid is slim.

 

Same with them asking you for a money pak, money order or cash.

Same with them asking you for a money pak, money order or cash.

 

Yea anytime someone else asks for money or for you to purchase something thats usually a red flag that something is fishy.

 

As Ritchie said, he (like myself) is not the most the most technical wizard out there so it can be confuising and scary.

Just remember that anytime money is asked for, keep your guard up.

 

Its like these a hole PBA guys who call up my house asking for money, sometimes acting like jerks and almost talking in a harrasing tone. If they're associated with the Police they should know better not to solicate any money over the phone. I always tell them to send me via mail your donation stuff and then I hang up.

Yea anytime someone else asks for money or for you to purchase something thats usually a red flag that something is fishy.

 

As Ritchie said, he (like myself) is not the most the most technical wizard out there so it can be confuising and scary.

Just remember that anytime money is asked for, keep your guard up.

 

Its like these a hole PBA guys who call up my house asking for money, sometimes acting like jerks and almost talking in a harrasing tone. If they're associated with the Police they should know better not to solicate any money over the phone. I always tell them to send me via mail your donation stuff and then I hang up.

 

When they call my house, I tell them look in your records, I give enough money to the PBA. The only thing I do, is when I get an email about one of my credit cards about info, or something was purchased, I call the credit card company and ask them about it first. Its usually a scam, and they usually want the email sent to them so they can do an investigation into it.

When they call my house, I tell them look in your records, I give enough money to the PBA. The only thing I do, is when I get an email about one of my credit cards about info, or something was purchased, I call the credit card company and ask them about it first. Its usually a scam, and they usually want the email sent to them so they can do an investigation into it.

 

I like when they ask for you, and you ask who's calling, and they answer "Officer ________, is _________ home? We need to speak with him immediately."

 

Why are you trying to make people nervous, then ask for money? That's basically the dumbest strategy ever.

Is this the screen that came up??