What to Do After Falling Victim to a Game Testing Scam
In an age where online security is paramount, falling prey to scams can be a distressing experience. Recently, I found myself on the unfortunate end of a classic scam: “Test my game.” Although I had previously connected with the individuals behind the accounts, the allure of testing a new game led me to make a regrettable mistake.
The Incident
After receiving a message from two long-time acquaintances on Discord, I was directed to a website where I could download a game for testing. Despite my better judgment, I executed the file without considering the potential consequences. It wasn’t long before I was contacted by a third account, displaying a screenshot that revealed they had accessed my Google account.
Immediate Steps Taken
Realizing the gravity of the situation, I promptly took action. I unplugged my PC from the network, logged out of all devices connected to my Google and Discord accounts, and began the process of resetting my passwords. Fortunately, I had saved most of my passwords via Google, which made this task more manageable. I also enabled two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever it was an option.
Next, I performed a clean installation of Windows 11, which only wiped the primary drive on which the OS was installed. I then ran a full scan with Windows Defender and planned to install additional software like Avast and Malwarebytes to conduct further scans. As a precautionary measure, my PC remains disconnected from the internet.
For those more tech-savvy, the malware is reportedly hosted on oblivora.com, and I welcome any safe insights on its analysis.
Seeking Further Guidance
While I would prefer not to wipe all of my drives, I am considering it for complete security. I am currently looking for recommendations on reliable tools or methods to perform a thorough wipe of my additional drives if necessary.
Lastly, I would appreciate any feedback on my approach thus far. Did I take adequate steps to mitigate the damage and secure my accounts? Your advice and expertise would be invaluable as I navigate through this experience.
In conclusion, while it’s easy to feel foolish after being scammed, it’s crucial to focus on recovery and preventative measures. By staying informed and vigilant, we can better protect ourselves from similar situations in the future.
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I’m sorry to hear about your experience. It’s great that you took prompt action to secure your accounts and devices. Here are some additional recommendations that might help:
Regarding the malware hosted on oblivora.com:
It’s wise to be cautious with analysis or downloads from such sources. If you have identified suspicious files or activity, submitting them to services like VirusTotal for analysis can provide insights without risking further infection.