Virus, malware and scam cleanup in South Lake Tahoe
A pop-up that says your computer is locked. A caller who says he’s from Microsoft. A computer that suddenly crawls or acts strange. I clean it up, close the door the scammer used, and help you lock down your accounts. Remote or in person, around South Lake Tahoe, Meyers, Stateline and Zephyr Cove. Call (530) 350-6883 and tell me what you’re seeing.
Services offered
Virus and malware removal
Viruses, adware, browser hijackers and anything else that shouldn’t be there, found and removed.
Fake warnings and notifications
“Your computer is locked” and “call this number” screens cleared, the website notifications that keep pushing them switched off, and the browser settings that bring them back reset.
Scam cleanup
If a scammer got into your computer, I remove what they installed, check what they changed, and close the way back in.
Accounts and passwords
Help changing the passwords that matter, starting with email and banking, and turning on a second sign-in step.
Tune-up
Startup clutter, junk files and overdue updates sorted, so the computer is quick again. Added to a cleanup.
Wipe and reinstall
When cleanup isn’t enough, a clean start: the computer erased and set up fresh. Pick-up or drop-off. Copying your files off first and back afterwards is $79.
Prices
All prices| Virus, malware or scam cleanup | From $175 | Remote or in person, same price |
|---|---|---|
| Cleanup plus tune-up | From $225 | |
| Wipe and reinstall | $299 | Pick-up or drop-off only. Copying your files off and back is $79. |
| House calls | Travel billed after 15 minutes | The first 15 minutes each way are free; after that, travel time is $100 an hour. As far as Reno. |
Most cleanups are straightforward. A computer that’s locked or won’t start can take more work, from simple to very involved, and you’ll hear what’s involved before the price goes past the starting point.
Businesses: get in touch for a quote. Business jobs vary far more than home ones, so they’re quoted to fit, not marked up.
How it works
Call or email
Call (530) 350-6883 or email hello@flowingpixels.com and describe what’s on the screen. A photo of it helps. Talking it through costs nothing.
Cleanup
Most cleanups happen in a remote session that starts only when you allow it. If the computer won’t start or a scammer locked it, I come to you or pick it up.
Afterwards
You hear what was found and what changed, get help with your passwords, and learn the signs of the next scam.
Questions
A pop-up says my computer is locked and to call a number. What do I do?
Don’t call it. Real warnings never ask you to call a phone number. Close the browser. If it won’t close, hold the power button until the computer turns off, then start it again. If the pop-up comes back, call me.
I let someone into my computer. What should I do right now?
Turn the computer off, or unplug it from the internet, so the connection ends. Don’t call them back. If you paid by card or gave out bank details, call your bank or card company now, using the number on the back of your card. Then call me: I remove what they installed and help you change your passwords from a device they never touched.
I paid the scammer. Can I get the money back?
Sometimes. Call your bank, card company or gift card company right away and say you were scammed. Card and bank payments are the easiest to reverse; gift cards and cryptocurrency are the hardest. Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov too. I can’t get the money back, but I can make sure the computer is clean.
Does Microsoft or Apple really call about viruses?
No. They don’t call or text out of the blue about problems on your computer. Neither does a real bank fraud department asking you to move your money somewhere “safe.” Hang up.
Can you clean my computer remotely?
Usually, yes. Remote sessions run on remote-desktop software I host myself, and only start when you allow the connection. If the computer won’t start or is locked, I come to you or pick it up.
Will I lose my files?
A cleanup leaves your files where they are. A wipe and reinstall erases the computer. I can copy your files off first and put them back afterwards, for $79.
How much does it cost?
A cleanup starts at $175, remote or in person, and $225 with a tune-up. A wipe and reinstall is $299. A locked or unusable computer can take longer, and you’ll hear what’s involved before the price goes past the starting point.
Do you clean Macs?
Yes. Macs get less malware than Windows computers, but they aren’t immune, and fake pop-ups and browser notifications work on them just the same. I scan, clean up and fix what’s wrong.
I’m helping a parent. Can I arrange this for them?
Yes. Call for them, and I’ll work with whoever is at the computer, in person or in a remote session they allow. Afterwards I can go over the warning signs with both of you.
Do you come to the house?
Yes, as far as Reno. The first 15 minutes of travel each way are free; after that, travel time is billed at $100 an hour.
How do I avoid this next time?
Hang up on unexpected tech support calls, never call a number from a pop-up, and never pay anyone with gift cards. Keep the computer updated. When something on the screen looks wrong, call someone you already know before you call the number it shows.
Seeing a warning you don’t trust?
Don’t call the number on the screen. Call (530) 350-6883, or send me a photo of it.
