On 04/03/2021 07:24, andyW wrote:
On 03/03/2021 11:40, Jimmy Stewart wrote:

is pushing the windows key one of the steps to give them control of
your computer ? ...

It opens up the Run window and allows you to run commands. Usually to a
system error reporter that is supposed to show thousands of errors in
error logs.
It is normal to have hundreds of 'errors' in the logs, they are not
dangerous errors, they will not cause any problems whatsoever. This is
just a prelude into you giving them remote access to your machine.

The scammers fall into 3 main camps:-

1) they just fiddle about in your computer, scrub the logs then claim to
have fixed the problem and bill you for the "Technical support"
2) They fiddle about, bill you and install some software that gives them
permanent access into your computer. At a later point your computer can
be turned into a workhorse for them, it can be turned into a remote
server for illegal content, music, movies or worse still child p orn.
Most people would never notice if a few spare Gb 'vanished' and they
lost 10% of their bandwidth. At best you may just be turned into a
computer for hire, Botnets are thousands of linked computers that are
hired out for dodgy purposes.
3) they just cryptolock your computer and charge you for the key.

I have baited a few to see what they do using a windows virtual machine
running inside linux. Mostly they just fiddle and try to charge. If I
refuse to pay they delete files. No biggie, the virtual machine is
disposable anyway.
Some install a payload.
Many open up remote access to let others in.
If I leave a text file on the desktop named "Passwords" it is amazing
how many people copy it.
I have only had one cryptolocker, just delete the VM and copy a new one.

Type 2 is really bad as kiddy content is traced back to your house, you
get raided and all your kit, every cd, dvd, computer, storage item etc
publicly removed into police vehicles. You may get away with it but to
the locals who witnessed the circus you will not be innocent you will
have "gotten off with it".

Andy
WOW thanks for that explanation of what can happen......nasty things