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Forum Discussion
Hacked
Today when I logged on to my computer there was a problem with the Netgear Extender. I clicked on a prompt to resolve the problem which lead to a Netgear Virtual Assistant that asked if I needed help setting up my Extender. I typed in "Yes" and they asked if they would like to have someone call me to help with the setup process. I typed in "Yes" and someone claiming to be from Netgear called me and proceeded to ask questions about the model number of the Extender, the router I was using, etc. He then said he would like to help with the setup of the Extender and asked to gain access to my computer to complete the setup. After some time, I reluctantantly agreed. After connecting to my computer, he then proceeded to tell me there was a network security issue and that I would need to consider purchasing "Network Firewall Security Basic" from Cisco. He said this could not be purchased through Netgear, but I should consider contacting a network connection specialist to obtain IP protection. I told him okay and unplugged my Extenders and my router. I then called my internet service provider (AT&T) and after some time and effort communicating what had happened they indicated that the communication with what I thought was Netgear was actually flauduent. They also indicated that this is not the first time they have heard of this. I changed passwords and such to secure my computer. I still have the number of the guy that said he was from Netgear.
I tried to contact Netgear with this issue directly, but could find no direct email. What a joke. This was the best I could do to communictate this issue in the hopes that it helps someone, or Netgear identifies the hack.
2 Replies
DillRiLi wrote:
Today when I logged on to my computer there was a problem with the Netgear Extender.
The problem does start when people use search engines or let Web browsers fill URLs based on search engine suggestion somewhere before, during, or after this sentence:
DillRiLi wrote:
I clicked on a prompt to resolve the problem which lead to a Netgear Virtual Assistant that asked if I needed help setting up my Extender.
At this point, you are not with Netgear ... probably never been with Netgear during the hole process. There is no such s**t. Even if it looks like Netgear: It isn't. It's fraud.
DillRiLi wrote:
I tried to contact Netgear with this issue directly, but could find no direct email.
Why do I don't wonder you hit the same trap almost again?
Again, typical user mistake. Virtually thousands of Scam URLs and sites in the Internet, well promoted with paid and unpaid search engine results. The perfect recipe to hit yet another Scam Mafia trap. That's on how the Multi-Million USD Scam Mafia does capture their victims. Home and self-made joke, sorry saying it clear. Many popular brands are hit by these criminals - from Asus over HP to Netger to ZyXEL.
Each quick start guide people received with the product - showing here the original AC1900 WiFi Mesh Extender Essentials Edition Model EX6400 Quick Start Guide and the one for the latest EX6400v3 hardware version (and many other similar models WiFi Mesh Extender Quick Start Guide does state
"Visit netgear.com/support to get your questions answered and access the latest downloads." That's by the way on how I'm locating Documentation like Quick Start Guides, User Manuals or Downloads like Firmware, too.
If you don't read or remember all this, head to the manufacturer Web page, like netgear.com (or Asus, or HP, or ....). Right on the main page, you find a link to Support. Magic? No, it's https://netgear.com/support/ again. And again, you don't need to search E-Mail addresses or contacts on some magic search engines.
DillRiLi wrote:
I still have the number of the guy that said he was from Netgear.
Recently I got a phone call from the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC. Caller IDs can be faked, and I can tell you I'm the POTUS, too. That finished the call quickly.
DillRiLi wrote:
This was the best I could do to communictate this issue in the hopes that it helps someone, or Netgear identifies the hack.
Yes, also the Netgear Community is referred on many printed guides (like the QSGs above), the Netgear support pages as an alternate choice, too. Defo nothing wrong with this. You are welcome!
Hack? What hack? Well, again not a hack. Much more a chair-keyboard flaw. Read from the top again.
You aren't safe yet. Because there could still be a remote access tool installed on your computer where the hacker has still remote access. Even permanent access from boot.Without a complete reinstall you can not 100% sure that you got rid of everything.
