PHISHING SCAM ALERT - Inchcape Rock Painting

[MelAnne]

Hi!

I just wanted to post a quick warning about a broken link in the Y1 lesson plans. Under the 36-week detailed plans, for week 16, Fifty Famous Stories Retold "Inchcape Rock," it is suggested you take a look at Peter Graham's painting on the same subject. I clicked on this link this morning, and my computer immediately started beeping loudly with a warning message saying that it had encountered an error and not to close my web browser because it would result in data loss. It then told me to call Microsoft support, and gave me the number. I (stupidly) called the number, and soon realized it was a scam . . . the guy asked for remote access to my laptop, told me my laptop had all sorts of malware and adware installed on it, told me to take it to Office Max for a $500-$600 clean-up of my computer, and then asked for my zip code to see if I'd qualify for a "discount" where they'd do it for me instead for only $300. That's when I hung up on him, because I realized I'd fallen for a scam. I have spent the entire morning on the phone with our bank, credit cards, etc., changing passwords, changing account numbers, etc., because this is the computer I use for all of our online banking and shopping, and I'm pretty sure he stole some of our info while he was on my laptop. I feel so stupid!!! Anyway, all this to say DON'T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE I DID!!! If you click on that link, DON'T call the number! Just close your browser. Nothing will happen to your computer.  If you did happen to fall prey to it, and called the number and did give them access to your computer, follow my computer-guru brother-in-law's advice, and reset your computer (reinstall windows, wipe your computer completely clean like you are going to sell it). It's the only way to guarantee that the scammer does not have back-door access to your computer. And please, whoever maintains the website, please take that link down ASAP. Thank you!