Computer
Scam
Don't Download the
Clean-Up Program
"MacKeeper"
by
Allen Weintraub
Anthem Opinions
Administration
As the computer organizer for Anthem
Opinions (I say that word loosely after what I just
encountered), rarely do I get "had" by
computer scams, but at times even the best of us suffer at the hands of the
dishonest.
And I was one of
them recently.
So in order that you do not go through
what I did, I'd like to tell you a story with a
warning !
I accidentally downloaded a toolbar that had a
virus...or should we call it Malware
!
It was associated with a clean
up program called MacKeeper that claims to keep your Apple Mac Clean.
As soon as I started the download of the toolbar,
I realized that this was a problem and shut down my computer.
From that point....it was pop
up after pop up asking to download MacKeeper to clean
my files....for a
fee.
I could not complete any task
on my computer that was internet related….the internet was worthless as a
tool.
I could only use my standard
programs.
My son was able to clean up the
problem....
....but...
... it took over an
hour and he is a technical genius with
computers.
Without his expertise, I am sure I would have had
to pay in the hundreds of dollars to clean it up and remove the
Malware.
For those non-Mac users out there, be aware
that...
... Mac’s do not get viruses,
but the darn pop ups are just as bad.
Think the story is over with "Mackeeper"?
Well, think again !
Shortly thereafter, I received a phone call from
someone with a distinct accent.
They said there were calling
regarding a Microsoft problem that was reported on my
computer...and they, posing as the technical department of Microsoft, were
offering to help solve it.
(PS, Mac’s do not use
Microsoft) I never reported anything and if I did….it would not be
to Microsoft....It would be to Apple.
They were selling something to
fix it…
What a scam !
The same culprits who initially
created the problem...would now offer to fix it..for a
fee !
I told them that I did download something that
effected by computer, but I had it fixed by an
expert...
...that I knew the call was a scam....and...they
were a bunch of XXXXXXXXX (not nice
language).
They hung up.
Talk about abusing the public...and what I
consider a complete violation of privacy.
They alter your system...or order that you have
difficulty using your system...and then want to charge you to fix
it.
Moral of the story...DON'T
DOWNLOAD SOMETHING WITH WITCH YOU ARE NOT 100%
FAMILIAR....
...and MacKeeper is
one of them !
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