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Woman warning others of computer scam

Posted at 5:39 PM, Feb 08, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-08 17:39:28-05

One woman is issuing a warning to others to be aware of a computer scam that cost her $400.

Virginia McMahon, 66, has been going over paperwork to try and figure out why she was targeted by a computer crook on Thursday.

"My computer started beeping, making a warning sound and it wouldn't stop," McMahon said. "A white screen came up, said I was in danger, don't do anything, don't turn this off and call this number."

The scam identified itself as Microsoft, and when she called, someone kept her on the phone for an hour, took control of her computer, and then talked her into giving $399.99 for security protection.

McMahon said they insisted on getting a check instead of through credit card.

Foster Braun, co-host of Internet Advisor on AM 760 WJR said the first bad step was responding to anything that pops up on your computer. He strongly recommends shutting your computer down, turning it on safe mode and running a virus protection scan if it happens.