HELP Scam on computer

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by Purple Streaks, Aug 12, 2025.

  1. Purple Streaks

    Purple Streaks Gardener

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    Today I switched on my pc after a few seconds I got all different adds etc moving on and off the screen. A loud buzzer then a voice saying do not switch off your computer. I panicked and turned it off on the wall . What do I do now.?
     
  2. NigelJ

    NigelJ Total Gardener

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    @Purple Streaks
    I think at this point I would be looking to the local computer repair shop and getting them to look at it and disinfect it. They will have access to the proper software for the job.
    I hope you have all your information and photos backed up somewhere else, just in case.
     
  3. Palustris

    Palustris Total Gardener

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    Do you have any anti virus software on your machine?
    If not then switch your machine on in Safe Boot Mode and download Malwarebytes and run a scan.
    To start a Windows computer in Safe Mode, you can use the "Shift + Restart" method, access it through the "Settings" app, or utilize the "msconfig" utility. The "Shift + Restart" method involves holding Shift while clicking Restart in the Start Menu, then selecting Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart, and choosing the desired Safe Mode option.
     
  4. Purple Streaks

    Purple Streaks Gardener

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    Thank you both , I will follow through your advice Palustris and yes I do have antivirus.
     
  5. ricky101

    ricky101 Total Gardener

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    You do not say if you had opened your Browser and then the Messages appeared or if Windows was still starting up.

    Which AV and Windows version eg 8,10,11 do you have ? Most AVs have good scanners to stop such infections.
    Had you been clicking on some unexpected Links or using some unusual web sites recently ?

    Think we would first switch off your Router so no one can access your PC then start it again and see if you can access your AV and get it to run a Full Scan.

    Are you doing this thread from another PC or your Mobile ?

    Assume you do not do full system backups, so thats something to look into once you have things sorted.
     
  6. Purple Streaks

    Purple Streaks Gardener

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    I have updated my pc with advice from brother-in-law and as he says even with anti virus protection you still need to update . I hadn't realised I'd some to catch up on .it seems to be ok now .Thank-you all
     
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    • pete

      pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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      I've picked up the odd thing on Facebook by just clicking on a picture.
      Usually it says all your files are encrypted and not to turn off your PC, its basically rubbish and disappears when you turn it off, but you do need to make sure it's actually gone off.
       
    • ricky101

      ricky101 Total Gardener

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      Glad you have got it sorted for now :smile:

      However would second @Palustris comment about getting MalwareBytes on to your PC.
      You can run it in Safe mode as he says, but typically you run it like any other program in normal mode.
      Make it do a full scan once a week to be sure you are free of any nasties.
      Its a free program but it will nag you to get the paid for version.
      Official Site | Malwarebytes: Antivirus, Anti-Malware & Privacy

      As the incident has shown , its good to have your data backed up, so take a look here at the various ways you can do that.
      The Beginner's Guide to PC Backup
       
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