False website link scam

I just recently got a call from a customer, whom had been the victim of a major phishing scam. From what I could gather, the scam probably originated from India or Pakistan, where there is vast call center infrastructure. The scammer convinced my customer to let them in the computer remotely. They then continued the scam, leading to obtaining credit card information. This lead to $5,000 being stolen. The scammer even went so far as to get the customer to show them their state issued driver’s license on the laptop’s webcam. These type of scams especially target the elderly. The customer had to get a new driver’s license and credit card, because of the phishing. Fortunately, the customer didn’t give out social security numbers, as that could lead to even worse outcomes. I checked the customer’s computer, and cleaned it up. These type of phishing attacks start by clicking on a link, on a website. When you do, you are redirected to a fake website, that says your computer is infected, and to call the number they flash on the fake website. The scam site even has audio on the flashing banner, in a loud voice, to call the number. The victim, completely overwhelmed, calls the number, thinking their computer is infected with malware or a virus. That is how this whole thing starts. These types of scams are more and more common now. To help prevent this, use a good anti-malware product, like Malwarebytes. Also use their web browser plugin, which blocks these kinds of attacks.