Mother in law calls me during work, blaring warnings sounds blaring in the background, warning her that she has a virus and NOT to try to reboot or unplug the computer….
MIL: what do I do/why is this happening?
Me: you clicked on something… unplug the computer
MIL: but it says not to
Me: it’s ok, it is trying to get you to call the number so that you will give them money
MIL: I am too afraid
Me: ok, if you want to give them money or your credentials so that they can take all of your money, feel free. Just don’t drive to Walgreens to buy gift cards again… you will miss your soap operas
I make sure the important stuff is backed up to external drive on the computers I tech support for family and friends.
So I say, “yeah, it says that, but they are lying. unplug it. If it’s not working when it comes back on, I’ll come over and restore it. You won’t lose anything, we’ve got backups just for this reason.”
So far, I haven’t had to go and restore anything. But one of them buys me lunch, so I go and shoot the shit and have a good time for big Windows updates about once a quarter.
Mother in law calls me during work, blaring warnings sounds blaring in the background, warning her that she has a virus and NOT to try to reboot or unplug the computer….
MIL: what do I do/why is this happening?
Me: you clicked on something… unplug the computer
MIL: but it says not to
Me: it’s ok, it is trying to get you to call the number so that you will give them money
MIL: I am too afraid
Me: ok, if you want to give them money or your credentials so that they can take all of your money, feel free. Just don’t drive to Walgreens to buy gift cards again… you will miss your soap operas
MIL: Ok, I’ll unplug it
I make sure the important stuff is backed up to external drive on the computers I tech support for family and friends.
So I say, “yeah, it says that, but they are lying. unplug it. If it’s not working when it comes back on, I’ll come over and restore it. You won’t lose anything, we’ve got backups just for this reason.”
So far, I haven’t had to go and restore anything. But one of them buys me lunch, so I go and shoot the shit and have a good time for big Windows updates about once a quarter.