So I was trying to remove a virus on my parents computer and needed a few different tools to get rid of it. It started as Green AV, but I’ve found others. It also blocked avast! from running. I sent my mother an email containing a link to The Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool, but when she clicked the link in her email the current virus rerouted her to a pop-up of AntiVirus Pro 2009. She tried twice and figured this was right even though I told her the exact name and the fact that it was free. So she went ahead and entered her info and paid $49.95 for this scam (although my dad thought she should have waited).
Was I right in calling my parents idiots? Also, was it smart to have them immediately call their bank, cancel their debit card, and have the bank security and tech support people change their passwords? I also had them go to any online credit card management sites and change all those passwords too. A pain, because my brothers used that computer and had to do it too.
They have to wait for the charge to clear to fight it through the bank. I also cleared all cookies, passwords, temp files, etc using CCleaner. And I still have to run a few more scans to be sure it’s gone. The icons still show on the desktop, but once I completely rid the computer of it can I just delete those? Also, they are not allowed to use any banking or credit sites until this is gone.
Does anyone have any suggestions to completely rid their system of this virus? Also, what other steps should I take to clear crucial information off their system so it’s not at risk?
Thank you in advance.
