Do not google search "amazon" and click the first link

[Dennis Donovan]

There's a hack taking place and will cause issues. Screenshot of what just happened to me:
https://imgur.com/a/G2rUp

The issue is ransomware!

[Squinch]

1. Thanks for the heads up.

[Madam45for2923]

2. Why? why why why?

[unblock]

3. looks like ransomware. something may be busy encrypting all your files.

i suggest you run all your antivirus stuff now.

hopefully you have good backups somewhere.

[Dennis Donovan]

7. already doing it...

I even called the number given and fucked with them.

[grossproffit]

13. My grandmother was a victim of this. My blood is boiling at this. I hope others read this OP

My grandmother called the number and paid, and then paid again. Her computer was completely hijacked. Her computer was able to be saved but the experience left her both depressed and embarrassed. I hate these rat fuckers!

[Dennis Donovan]

16. So do I!

Total Manaforts they are!

[ksoze]

4. Might be your system - you may have a virus.

I would run a virus scan and reboot.

[Aristus]

5. I never click the first link in a Google search.

But usually because it's an advertisement for something on the site you're looking for, rather than the site itself.

[defacto7]

21. If everone would turn off Java Script when it's not needed

There would be no ads and no malware links. There are very few exceptions.

I use Startpage for searching which uses Google without tracking and the option of going to a proxy.

[CountAllVotes]

6. Download, install and run Malwarebytes

Make sure you opt for the free/trial version unless you care to pay for it. Its bailed me out of many dark places that have infested my computer(s) over time.

www.malwarebytes.com

Best of luck!!!

[grossproffit]

8. +1 IMMEDIATELY!

[Dennis Donovan]

10. Yep, already did that too

I recorded it - I'll upload to YT and post it.

The most excitement I've had on a Sunday in awhile!

[grossproffit]

14. Maybe you could update your OP to warn others about ransomware. Some aren't as savvy as you.

It would be a real public service. My grandmother was a victim of this scam.

[Dennis Donovan]

17. I did, and I'm sorry this happened to your grandmother!

Oddly enough, malwarebytes didn't ID it.

[Bettie]

23. I pay for it

it is totally worth every penny and it isn't very expensive for the home version.

[forgotmylogin]

9. Usually when you call them, that's when they get full access to your system.

Often, they want you to install the "let us control your machine to fix it" software.

In my experience, the "you need to call this number screen" is just locking up the browser.

[Dennis Donovan]

11. Nah, I called them and effed with them...

..asked why Bill Gates allowed such shitty hold music.

[brewens]

18. I've seen that before. Used task manager to shut down the browser and never had any real problem.

I'd run the anti virus and maybe find some issues that would be dealt with, but never even knew if those hadn't been there before anyway.

[bagelsforbreakfast]

12. appears to be an Indian or Nigerian scam - pretty common - just disregard

and close out page. When you open Firefox or whatever again it should not be there. If you have a good anti-virus you should be fine. Go to Windows Task Manager to check what's running.

From reading about it on the net, if you call the number they either hijack your identity (SS# etc.) or fleece you by a charge over $50 for essentially nothing.

[Dennis Donovan]

15. how can they charge me if I call them on a land line?

I didn't say "yes" or anything. Just acted like I didn't know anything, then called them fuckwads.

[defacto7]

19. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of

computer headaches.

Use a secure non-tracking search engine like Startpage or the like.

Turn off Java Script when you don't need it. There are addon buttons for that.

If you're really serious use Tor browser.

[Dennis Donovan]

20. Sage advice!

[defacto7]

22. Are you calling me spicy? I take a fence to that!

[mfcorey1]

24. When it happened to me, my camera on my laptop popped on.