You're surfing the web, just as you've done every day for years. You click a link to read something, but instead of going to the article, a pop-up alert with a big red exclamation point appears. The message tells you to Call Google at 1-800-###-#### to speak with a customer service agent about malware on your computer.
What do you do?
As official as the message may look, odds are it's a scam - and an attempt to extort money from you. Before calling the number or clicking any links on your computer, simply turn your computer off and let it sit for a few minutes. You may have visited a compromised website. Reboot your computer and run a scan to determine if any malware might have been installed. If so, either take your computer to a qualified technician to have it repaired to take appropriate steps to remove the malware (make sure you know how to properly do so).
If you feel you may have been a victim, you should also consider:
• Changing all of your passwords (email and online accounts)
• Enabling multi-factor authentication
• Creating a new email account specifically for financial accounts (separate from personal communications)
• Check your credit report and review for discrepancies
• Consider freezing your credit report with Transunion, Experian and Equifax