Ransomware Attack!

[bricabrac]

I received a phone call, did not recognize number 844-214-7444 and waited for a message. Crooks actually left a message! "microsoft windows license key has been expired in your computer, call 844-711-3211..."

I wasn't sure so I called. Person said they were calling because microsoft had been hacked. My software license was no longer active. Wanted to walk me through the process of validating my software. I replied, really. He said yes we are validating systems. He asked, are you in front of your computer, I will walk you through the process. I asked, which computer? Radio silence. I said, why don't I just call the Microsoft software support hotline and confirm this service call. Again, radio silence. I then asked, Hello? He grumbled, ok.

I laughed and called my friends to warn that we now have crooks cold calling folks to gain access to computers. Guess the emails are no longer working. BTW, the call seemed to be rerouted, I don't think the person was in the US. In all fairness, even under normal circumstances that would not have been unusual.