Possible scam alert.

#1
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VOLINVONORE

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#1
My wife and I have apple computers. About 30 minutes ago, she attempted to get some travel information on mapquest and an alert flashed on stating that we she may have a malware problem and that our financial/banking data may have been lost. We could not open safari. Foolishly, we call 1-855 712 7644, the number provided by the alert, and a woman said she could check our information and help us get back on line. We told her we had a computer expert who would help us. I have learned my lesson and it appears that no damage has occurred. It is strange that the problem only occurred after we attempted to get into mapquest. I hope this is some help to all the apple users.
 
#2
#2
VOLINVONORE said:
My wife and I have apple computers. About 30 minutes ago, she attempted to get some travel information on mapquest and an alert flashed on stating that we she may have a malware problem and that our financial/banking data may have been lost. We could not open safari. Foolishly, we call 1-855 712 7644, the number provided by the alert, and a woman said she could check our information and help us get back on line. We told her we had a computer expert who would help us. I have learned my lesson and it appears that no damage has occurred. It is strange that the problem only occurred after we attempted to get into mapquest. I hope this is some help to all the apple users.
Click to expand...

Yeah, there are plenty of malware scams that popup and seemingly lock up your computer and tell you your system has been compromised. I just open task manager and end the browser task and then I can use it again.
 
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#3
#3
VOLINVONORE said:
My wife and I have apple computers. About 30 minutes ago, she attempted to get some travel information on mapquest and an alert flashed on stating that we she may have a malware problem and that our financial/banking data may have been lost. We could not open safari. Foolishly, we call 1-855 712 7644, the number provided by the alert, and a woman said she could check our information and help us get back on line. We told her we had a computer expert who would help us. I have learned my lesson and it appears that no damage has occurred. It is strange that the problem only occurred after we attempted to get into mapquest. I hope this is some help to all the apple users.
Click to expand...

Are you running Parallels, Boot Camp, or just iOS?
 
#5
#5
On MAC quit Safari with command+Q or open Task Manager and Force Quit. Then hold Shift and reopen Safari.

You don't have any Malware.
 
#6
#6
burntorangeVOLffle said:
On MAC quit Safari with command+Q or open Task Manager and Force Quit. Then hold Shift and reopen Safari.

You don't have any Malware.
Click to expand...

I quit safari and ran first aid in disk utility. I then shut down the computer and restarted. Every thing is OK. I strongly believe it was a scam which was attached to map quest. In my seven years of using apple computers, I have never had a problem with malware of a virus.
 
#7
#7
I had to give the FBI my credit card number to pay a fine after looking at a nudie sight. After that they un locked my computer and promised to not press further charges.
 
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#8
#8
Toujours Pret said:
I had to give the FBI my credit card number to pay a fine after looking at a nudie sight. After that they un locked my computer and promised to not press further charges.
Click to expand...
You might be a top 5 VN poster. All time..
 
#9
#9
Toujours Pret said:
I had to give the FBI my credit card number to pay a fine after looking at a nudie sight. After that they un locked my computer and promised to not press further charges.
Click to expand...

doesn't work. They come back. they've hit me at least a dozen times. I don't think I'm going to pay next time.
 
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#12
#12
I downloaded an app from the Apple app store a few months back that I had an issue with. When it didn't work properly, there was a number listed in the app for technical help that I called. During the call, they wanted me to allow them access to my mac. I was suspicious so I immediately hung up and called Apple, who confirmed my feeling that it was a scam. The app was initially approved and listed, only to be later modified to be malicious.

I initially thought that everything was above board because Apple checks and approves everything in the app store. Bottom line, when in doubt, force quit, shut down and call Apple, or whatever well known company the issue/email/phone call comes from.
 
#13
#13
volmanbill said:
I downloaded an app from the Apple app store a few months back that I had an issue with. When it didn't work properly, there was a number listed in the app for technical help that I called. During the call, they wanted me to allow them access to my mac. I was suspicious so I immediately hung up and called Apple, who confirmed my feeling that it was a scam. The app was initially approved and listed, only to be later modified to be malicious.

I initially thought that everything was above board because Apple checks and approves everything in the app store. Bottom line, when in doubt, force quit, shut down and call Apple, or whatever well known company the issue/email/phone call comes from.
Click to expand...

You could also read the reviews of the app before downloading. Most people are eager to voice their opinions when an app doesn't work properly.
 
#15
#15
VOLINVONORE said:
I quit safari and ran first aid in disk utility. I then shut down the computer and restarted. Every thing is OK. I strongly believe it was a scam which was attached to map quest. In my seven years of using apple computers, I have never had a problem with malware of a virus.
Click to expand...

Another tip is keep a second browser installed like Chrome or Firefox . What you encountered just hijacked Safari from being used so when in doubt open the other browser and Google the problem.

It's odd that mapquest kicked it off. But my next question is shy Marquest and not Google Maps or even the built in Apple Maps app?
 
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