Consumer Alert
Protecting your devices from cryptojacking
Instead of min(d)ing their own business, are scammers using your computer as their virtual ATM? Three years ago, the FTC warned the public and took action against cryptojacking. That’s where scammers use your device’s processing power to “mine” cryptocurrency, which they can then convert into cold, hard cash.
Cryptojacking scams have continued to evolve, and they don’t even need you to install anything. Scammers can use malicious code embedded in a website or an ad to infect your device. Then they can help themselves to your device’s processor without you even knowing. You might make an unlucky visit to a website that uses cryptojacking code, click a link in a phishing email, or mistype a web address. Any of those could lead to cryptojacking. While the scammer cashes out, your device may slow down, burn through battery power, or crash.
So what can you do? Try the following:
- Follow tried-and-true advice for avoiding malware: use antivirus software, set software and apps to update automatically, never install software or apps you don’t trust, don’t click links without knowing where they lead, and be careful about visiting unfamiliar sites.
- Look for and close performance hogs: It can be hard to diagnose cryptojacking, but one common symptom is poor device performance. Consider closing sites or apps that slow your device or drain your battery.
- Consider playing defense: Some browser extensions and ad blockers say they help defend against cryptojacking, doing things like blocking mining code. These tools may be worth considering, but always do your homework first. Read reviews and check trusted sources before installing any online tools. Remember, too, that some websites may keep you from using their site if you have blocking software installed.
If you think cryptojacking has happened to you, the Federal Trade Commission wants to know. Report it to www.ftc.gov/complaint.
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Same thing happened to me, only I'm very niave, my husband tells that all the time, I tend to believe people. I waS STUPID enough to let them in my computer. And, my internet IP address was hacked. I didn't pay them any money, thankfully, but We had to spent a lot of money to restore settings on computers and remove malware, and virus.
In reply to I am at the stage where I am by Paul
In reply to Just received a threatening by Domsmom2000
In reply to Just received a threatening by Domsmom2000
In reply to Just received a threatening by Domsmom2000
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If you reported identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov you can use the identity theft report yourself to correct problems. The FTC will not respond to the report you submitted. You can create a recovery plan with detailed steps to take, and use the sample letters and forms to inform businesses. Use the letters - plus a copy of your identity theft report - to get records about the theft, deal with debt collectors and block fraudulent information from your credit report.
In reply to If you reported identity by FTC Staff
In reply to Dear Bridget, by Trailblazer
You could contact the Identity Theft Resource Center at idtheftcenter.org or 888-400-5530. The Center is a non-profit organization established to support victims of identity theft in resolving their cases.
In reply to Dear Bridget, by Trailblazer
Very good news was to believe my laptop is really sudden a few months ago bored like a snail, and I do not know why I can not cling to synonymous my brother who handles very well with computer can not explain why he has become slow. Can you help me??? Thank you
In reply to Very good news was to believe by marina52
If your computer is infected with malicious software, your computer can become slow. Malicious software is also called "malware." If you think your computer is infected with malware you can:
Same here, calls all day & night, even 2 & 3 AM, saying "they were Monitoring our credit card accts, for the past 6 months", .. offering a GREAT Deal for lower rates, as they were so impressed by our payment history, " etc .... FINALLY changed our number, and have it "non-published." Only gave it to VERY close friends, family members, .. not to be given to ANYONE, "Under pain of death" without our approval !! Peace & Quiet at last !!!!!!
Every morning between 6:15 a.m.to 9:15:a.m. HST I would receive various calls from various phone numbers. This morning I received one from phone # (480)409-1562. Because I now have my phone on Do Not Disturb they caller left this message "This an attempt from IRS to contact you. If you do not respond to this number by today the IRS is filing a lawsuit against you."
The day prior to this call I had gone online to look up some information regarding retirement. Thinking I was in a legit SSA website I started filling out their online request form. Just before submitting there is a section that offers Add Extra Security to do so you must select one of three choices 1) the last 8 digits from your Visa, MasterCard, or Discover card, 2) information from W-2 tax form, 3) information from a 1040 Schedule SE(self employment) tax form. I became suscipious and decided not to complete the process. I went back to all the previous screens and deleted my info which also included my SS#. The following is the website I was in Social Security Administration (US) secure. ssa. gov/ RIR/ Cats. o
In reply to Every morning between 6:15 a by Koolau@808
You can add protection to your Social Security account online, but you don't have to give information from a tax form or credit card to add the security.
This blog from the Social Security administration tells how to create your online account, and add a second layer of security.