This scam has been around for a couple of years now but it is still getting a lot of our customers. A lot of people, specially on social network might have seen this hoax, “Mr Bean is dead” and wonder why someone would make this up, and to what end.

The truth of the matter is they want to steal your data on your computer and use it for profit.

How can faking Mr Beans Death be Profitable

The way this scam works is by playing on your attention to Mr Bean and your ignorance to trick you into allowing criminals onto your computer.

This scam is mostly on social media and you will come across a share or news article looking very legitimate about Mr Beans death.

Once you click on the news article it will take you to a page which will give you the illusion something is wrong with your computer and some very officially looking and sounding company can fix it if you dial the number on the screen.

Once you dial that number, someone answers and gives you some instructions which allows them to get onto your computer for a price and fix the problem – remove the viruses etc.

What happens to you next…

The first thing that happens is when you give these criminals your credit card details – they know have them to do what they want, including taking your hard earned money, passing it around their criminal syndicates.

Then they access your system.

While on your computer they either plant Spyware programs to spy on you and record other important information they might be able to use in the future, including bank detail and such.

They have also been known to install Ransomware – a form of virus which doesn’t release your personal files back to you until you pay the ransom. – and rarely have I heard of people getting their files back after payment!

What can you do

If you have given them your credit card call the bank straight away and let them know what has happened.

If they have accessed your computer, they have probably installed remote access software so they can also get back on there again of the spyware is removed.

Call Ross at Townsville Nerds on 0402 807 890 and I can give you a free no obligation scan and quote.

If in doubt, turn your computer completely off. If its not turned on they can not be on it.