FRAUD ALERT: Diagnostic Test To Avoid Internet Interruption on July 9

by Better Business Bureau

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Rumors that more than a half million people could lose Internet access on July 9th are true. Protect yourself by running a quick diganostic test and, if your computer is affected, taking steps to fix it.

How the Scam Works

Scammers in Estonia infected computers worldwide with maleware that turned off virus updates and redirected consumers to fraudulent websites. When the FBI busted the scam ring last November, they set up clean servers to replace the ones running the scam. Victims have been redirected to those new servers ever since, usually without any knowledge they’d been infected in the first place.

The FBI will shut down its servers on July 9th, and anyone infected with the malware will lose Internet access. The FBI believes about 360,000 computers still are infected.

What to Do: 

  1. Check to see if your computer is infected with the virus by visiting the FBI’s DNS Charger Working Group website.
  2. If your computer is infected, this page provides instructions for removing the virus.

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The BBB is dedicated to fostering honest and responsive relationships between businesses and consumers in the U.S. and Canada, instilling consumer confidence and contributing to a trustworthy marketplace for all.