Yesterday, we watched The Beekeeper, a free movie on Amazon Prime Video starring Jason Stratham. The fight scenes were unrealistic and ridiculous, but the movie’s message was profound about scams perpetrated on seniors and others that wipe out all of their bank accounts, investments, and savings in one fell swoop.
This occurred when a message popped up on the victim’s devices warning that a severe virus had infected them and that they needed to call a specific number to correct this problem. When the perpetrators gained access by the victims providing passwords and access (or even without passwords), the accounts on the device were immediately wiped out to $0.
For this reason, I’d suggest everyone watch this movie. Yes, it’s bloody and gory with Jason Stratham, as is typical for his films, but the message is imperative for each of us to grasp fully. Even if you have to pay a streaming service to watch this movie, it will be money well spent. If you find the movie offensive with its violence, you’ll have seen the most critical part once you get through the first 40 minutes.
Don’t follow the instructions if a similar screen pops up on your PC, laptop, phone, iPad, or other device! Do not click on any of the links or call the phone number on the screen.
If you receive a virus scam message on your device’s screen, the most important thing is not to panic. These messages are designed to scare you into taking hasty actions that could compromise your device. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do:
1. Don’t Click on Anything
Avoid interacting with the message. Don’t click on any links, pop-ups, or buttons, and don’t call any phone numbers listed. These actions can lead to more severe issues like malware downloads or scams.
2. Close the Browser or App
If the message appears in a browser or app, try closing it immediately. If the app or browser is unresponsive, force quit the app. On mobile:
- For iPhone: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold, then swipe up the app.
- For Android: Tap the recent apps button and swipe the app away.
- For PC/Mac: Close the browser using Task Manager or force quit the app.
3. Clear Browser Cache
Sometimes, closing the browser alone doesn’t remove the scam message. Clear the cache to get rid of any remnants:
- On Chrome (Desktop): Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data.
- On iPhone/Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Select your browser > Clear Cache.
4. Run a Virus/Malware Scan
Run a scan with trusted antivirus or anti-malware software to make sure your device is not infected:
- For Mobile: Use trusted apps like Avast, Malwarebytes, or Bitdefender.
- For PC/Mac: Use antivirus software such as Windows Defender, Malwarebytes, or other reputable solutions.
5. Reboot Your Device
Restarting your device can sometimes help reset it and stop any suspicious activity.
6. Stay Calm and Don’t Call “Tech Support” Numbers on the screen!
These scams often include fake phone numbers to trick you into providing sensitive information. Ignore them. If you’re unsure, contact the official support channels for your device or operating system.
7. Change Important Passwords
If you’ve accidentally interacted with the scam (clicked on a link or downloaded something), immediately change your passwords for important accounts (email, banking, etc.) as a precaution.
8. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
For extra security, enable two-factor authentication on your key accounts. This adds an extra layer of protection even if your password is compromised. Most importantly, trust your instincts. If something feels off about a pop-up or message, it probably is. Keeping calm and following these steps will help keep your device and personal information safe.
If these instructions intimidate you, your next best option is to contact the manufacturer for help by phone (verify that the phone number is a valid number, not one you’ve seen on the screen!) or visit a manufacturer’s authorized service center with your device.
Although it’s frustrating to incur costs for removing the malware, they are nothing compared to what you could have lost.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, September 21, 2014:
