iMac running the latest version OS,SafariWas on CNN web page reading various news stuff. Inadvertently clicked on a link that took over Safari.A page popped up with a header of: "TECH HELP", with a toll free number (866-441-7691) and an offer to fix a multitude of ailments. Second smaller window popped on top of the original with an internet address of www.speedpctoday.com, and the message: "ALERT! You may have malware on your computer. (No kidding, ya think?)Call 1-866-441-7691 immediately.A representative will provide you a FREE computer diagnosis."There was also a small blue box with "OK" in it. Clicking on that only made the box disappear and immediately re-appear.All the task bar items were basically 'grayed out' and non-responsive.I called the number given and got a recorded message that said to press one for computer issues. Pressed one and got nothing but music.Re-start Safari and get same 'Tech Help' window. Same thing happens when I re-start the computer.I still have e-mail capability.Help!

Never call or click any links that offer to fix bogus computer malware. It's a pure scam, and they likely now have your phone number.This bogus alert was likely Javascript running from a scam website. The reason it keeps coming back is that when you start Safari, it's reloading the old bogus website. Try holding down the Shift key while starting Safari. Do not load your previous websites. Enter another link such as RV.NET.If it's still loading the bogus site, then force exit by pressing Command+Option+ESC and select Safari. Clearing out your old cache and cookies should get rid of the issue once and for all.

Clean out your cache & cookies, and reset your start page to whatever it should be.

If you used time machine go back to the time before the issue should clear the problem.

In addition to all of the above and just to be safe download and run AdwareMedic to kill any bad stuff lurking in the background.

For future protection, I'd grab AdBlock for Safari. Malware injected in ads is a major problem, and I've found that blocking ads actually provides more protection against malware than anything else you can do, even running an antivirus program, since the browser is the primary means for a computer to get infected.

SAFARI Hijacked | Good Sam Community

crcr
Explorer
Jul 13, 2015
SCVJeff wrote:
I'm told that when you call an 800# that caller ID shows up anyway. Maybe theres some switch guys around that could confirm or deny that?

Absolutely correct. Anytime you call ANY "toll free number", you may think you are blocking your # but your are not. Any toll free number sees and will capture your phone #. So be very careful what "toll free numbers" you call.
mlts22
Explorer
Jul 13, 2015
Toll free numbers use ANI (automatic number identification), which is a completely different system, and cannot be disabled. This is different from caller ID.

I recommend having nothing to do with the number... the less you are dealing with criminals (perhaps felons), the better.
garry1p
Explorer
Jul 13, 2015
1492

If you can't use Flash or Java what do you recommend?
Happytraveler
Explorer
Jul 13, 2015
OldF**t wrote:
In addition to all of the above and just to be safe download and run AdwareMedic to kill any bad stuff lurking in the background.

AdwareMedic worked great on my friend's Mac computer.

Safari Hijack Removal-YouTube
1492
Moderator
Jul 14, 2015
garry1p wrote:
1492

If you can't use Flash or Java what do you recommend?

Set you're browser to Ask to Activate Flash and JAVA. Not all can, but there are browser plugins available that essentially do the same thing. Saves from having to do so manually within browser options.

JAVA is not used that often in websites. More for games or specialized web based apps. Don't mistake JAVA for Javascript, which is completely different, and more essential for functioning of websites.
1492
Moderator
Jul 14, 2015
crcr wrote:
SCVJeff wrote:
I'm told that when you call an 800# that caller ID shows up anyway. Maybe theres some switch guys around that could confirm or deny that?

Absolutely correct. Anytime you call ANY "toll free number", you may think you are blocking your # but your are not. Any toll free number sees and will capture your phone #. So be very careful what "toll free numbers" you call.

You can't block Toll Free numbers from showing your Caller ID. I actually believe this is part of the scam. Listing a toll free number to phish for legit phone numbers. So not a surprise that there was no answer. Then, use a difficult to trace VoIP service such as MagicJack to contact callers with scam offers.
crcr
Explorer
Jul 14, 2015
1492 wrote:
crcr wrote:
SCVJeff wrote:
I'm told that when you call an 800# that caller ID shows up anyway. Maybe theres some switch guys around that could confirm or deny that?

Absolutely correct. Anytime you call ANY "toll free number", you may think you are blocking your # but your are not. Any toll free number sees and will capture your phone #. So be very careful what "toll free numbers" you call.

You can't block Toll Free numbers from showing your Caller ID. I actually believe this is part of the scam. Listing a toll free number to phish for legit phone numbers. So not a surprise that there was no answer. Then, use a difficult to trace VoIP service such as MagicJack to contact callers with scam offers.

I hadn't heard this. Are all VOIP services difficult to trace? I have Ooma.
mlts22
Explorer
Jul 14, 2015
You got off lucky.
1492
Moderator
Jul 14, 2015
You can set certain config options with VoIP that you cannot do with landline or cell based phones. For instance, I've set my VoIP CID home number to display my Google Voice number, not the actual assigned phone number for outgoing calls. So possible to set a false CID.

With services like MagicJack, and most any VoIP, you can get a U.S. based phone number, but the call can originate from anywhere in the world.
creeper
Explorer
Jul 16, 2015
Hold option key and select the safari drop down menu. Holding the option key will turn the quit command to quit and close all windows. When you re-open then you should be okay. You're stuck in a java script loop.

Another option is to open up your activity monitor in your Utilities folder. Open activity monitor. Go to drop down menu and choose all processes. Look for Safari web content. Click on the Process Name column title to sort listings by this field so they won’t jump around in your view. Click on X button on top to stop that process. Close the window and you should be good.

Another option is:

Press Option-Command-Escape and use the force-quit dialogue to close Safari. In the Finder, hold the Option key and choose Library from the Go menu. Go to the Saved Application State folder in the Library. Locate and remove the folder called “com.apple.Safari.savedState.”

If those don't work there is a terminal command to keep Safari from opening the last window.

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