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User profile for user: nanamiii18
nanamiii18 Author
User level: Level 1
0 points

real virus or not?

So I was trying to watch a TV drama series online for free and I clicked on this website and as soon as I clicked on it, it came up with a system error message saying that the safari caught a **** virus and I needed to call 1800 018 586. It also said I shouldn't ignore this problem since it can steal my personal details.


Since this is the first time for me to use a mac pc, I got really scared and called the number.

It was directed to a lady who helped me to close safari (I didn't know how to do it) and she then directed the call to this other guy who told me that I needed to activate Firewall since it was deactivated (again I had no idea what so ever about this) and he then said the problem isn't fixed and asked me for credit card number to pay for fixing and all that stuff.


Since I'm only 18 and do not own credit card, I said I don't really have a way to pay for it.

He then got really fierce and started to tell me all the things hacker can do and what not. I got kind of scared of this guy so I hung up and started to search what to do when I get system error messages on mac. As I was reading tips from websites, I realised that not all system error messages are actually from mac (like it may be from a hacker).


So I would really like to know if this kind of thing is actually real or not and it would help me a lot if anyone could help me out!!

MacBook Air, Mac OS X (10.4)

Posted on Dec 1, 2015 2:29 AM

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User profile for user: D.Cohen
D.Cohen
User level: Level 6
8,588 points

Posted on Dec 1, 2015 6:01 AM

You shouldn't have called that number and allowed someone to access your Mac.


Use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware: http://www.adwaremedic.com/index.php

You can also remove the adware manually using the steps provided by Apple: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203987

After that, make sure your default search engine is set to the one you always use. To do so, Open Safari - Preferences - Search.

Go to Safari menu (At the very top right side of your screen next to Apple icon), choose "Quit Safari"

press "Shift" button and while holding this button on your keyboard single click on the Safari icon on your Dock.

Open Safari - Preferences - Privacy - Remove All Website Data.

Also, I believe it would be a good idea to install AdBlock and contact Apple Support for further assistance.

https://www.apple.com/support/contact/

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User profile for user: D.Cohen
D.Cohen
User level: Level 6
8,588 points

Dec 1, 2015 6:01 AM in response to nanamiii18

You shouldn't have called that number and allowed someone to access your Mac.


Use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware: http://www.adwaremedic.com/index.php

You can also remove the adware manually using the steps provided by Apple: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203987

After that, make sure your default search engine is set to the one you always use. To do so, Open Safari - Preferences - Search.

Go to Safari menu (At the very top right side of your screen next to Apple icon), choose "Quit Safari"

press "Shift" button and while holding this button on your keyboard single click on the Safari icon on your Dock.

Open Safari - Preferences - Privacy - Remove All Website Data.

Also, I believe it would be a good idea to install AdBlock and contact Apple Support for further assistance.

https://www.apple.com/support/contact/

Reply

real virus or not?

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