Al Lustie's Tips and Tricks

Yesterday I was visiting with a lady who uses Mac computers exclusively.  She told me that she found the "Microsoft scam" on her Mac screen the other day.  Somehow a scammer had gotten the message on her screen that something was wrong with her computer and she should call and for only $299 this tech support person would fix it.

On a Mac!

In the Denver, CO, area this "Microsoft scam" has had a resurgence in the past month or so.  She is the first person I have run into who had it on her Apple product.

So. . . Mac owners and PC owners:  BEWARE!

1.  Generally the first response should be to unplug your computer, or take the battery out and get completely disconnected.  I'd like to think they couldn't do much damage to a Mac, but I don't know that for sure.  Possible, if they can get a "hook" into your computer they could steal contact lists, passwords, and other identity information.  UNPLUG.

2.  Second, call me or your trusted computer technician if you don't feel up to managing this problem.

3a.  Third, if you want to handle it, unplug any network cables for the moment and turn the computer back on.  In Windows. start pressing the F8 key almost immediately and choose to boot into safe mode with networking.

3b.  When "in". run Malwarebytes Anti Malware.  If you don't have it, go to Malwarebytes.org and download it and run it.

If on an Apple product, like a Mac, call the Apple support line for coaching.  Go to www.apple.com and hunt for either a contact number or a nearby Genius Bar.

What has your experience been?  Leave a comment and let us know.