Max PC Support-is this a scam?

[Jeff S.]

Had a very bad experience yesterday and not being tech savvy cost me $439.

They say a sucker is born everyday but I must admit this was a great con job, if in fact this was a con.

I came home yesterday afternoon and was expecting 2 emails that required a prompt response. I talked with a glass company and asked for an invoice which I received and when I tried to print it my printer would not print it, then my computer just started acting on its own and I lost control of its functions. Next, my screen went to a message that said there is a problem with your email and you need to call this number with an error code.

When I called they said my computer was at that minute being hacked and that a worm was implanted in my email that gave them access to all my financial data and if I didn't do something immediately they would have access and I could have some liability if I didn't do something. I am thinking, hmm, scam?

They assured me they work with Microsoft all the time etc. It was weird because you can't google anybody to find out about them. I could have gone to Office Depot but they keep your computer for days and these guys said the worm was in my email so if I used another computer I would infect the other computer.

I paid them $439 and they cleaned my computer for a couple hours. It seems to function as it should.

Later I was convinced I was ripped off after reading about them on Google and another source thought that they hacked the computer themselves.

I tried to cancel payment but was told they performed a service and I would have to prove they were the ones that hacked my computer. You are my first attempt at understanding this situation. What would you do at this point?

[Jeff S.]

Ransomware indeed, Jeff. You were hacked, defrauded, and it’s extremely likely your computer is still infected. Malwarebytes and Norton will not necessarily detect and clean this. Many virus’s now are very sophisticated and dig themselves well into operating system files that cannot be deleted or cleaned without disabling your computer.

I bet you also gave these scoundrels admin access to your computer and you have no idea what they looked at, planted, or took. Your only safe option is to back up your data now and completely reinstall Windows. Otherwise, you have no idea who has access to your files (including passwords, bank account access, Quickbook files, credit reports, SSN numbers, etc.). Sorry to scare you but you probably want to call your bank, CC companies, PayPal, etc. and have your access refreshed with new passwords and even account numbers.

Hopefully, your credit card company knows these characters and will work with you for a refund. If not, you might have a fight on your hands but should certainly protest the charge.

Sorry to hear this happened, Jeff.

Jeff