Windows 10: I fell for a scam

I fell for the pop up your computer has been locked by Microsoft. The had access to my computer. I froze my accounts, installed SuperAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes. Also uninstalled what was downloaded. My question is: There is a folder on my desktop named Make Payment files. It contains downloads. For example extended.js.download, jquery.bootstrap. Stackable.modals.js. and many more. I did not create this folder. Should I delete all these files? Also, if there are additional things I should do, please let me know. Thank you

:)

 

Mother-in-law fell for a "Windows support" scam. Can I save her laptop?

My mother-in-law fell for a Windows scam. Apparently a window popped up telling her that her computer had a virus, and she should call this number where they would clean it up for her. To cut a long story short, she gave them her credit card number and enabled remote access.

Credit cards have now been cancelled and we're going to (on another computer) change mother-in-law's password for every web service.

The laptop is now shut down and in my physical possession. I do not want to boot it up: they could have installed anything (trojans, keyloggers), which even Avast may not be able to defend against, right?

My plan is to remove the hard drive, mount it on another machine, and copy off any important files.

After that, what's the safest way of resurrecting it? Can I reinstall Windows on the drive without first booting it up? Or is it safe to boot up for the sole purpose of initiating a factory reset?

What other steps should I be considering?

 

HELP! Have I just been scammed??


How exactly would you expect Microsoft to step in an help? You fell for the oldest tech scam in the book, so i can understand being angry and even embarrassed, but Microsoft is not to blame for this, nor are they responsible for stopping you.

I will never understand the rationale behind giving out financial information and allowing access to your computer to complete strangers, rather than asking help of someone you trust.

 

Scam Alert

Suggest reading/watching:.

• Beware of Phony Tech Support Scams
• Protect yourself from tech support scams