Computer Virus

[Sirenet]

Hi all. This is off topic, and just an advisory. RNRita's misfortune made me think that perhaps I should share info I've learned recently. There is supposed to be a new nasty Virus which actually destroys your harddrive. It appears as a card from Hallmark and opens as such. As card is playing, it is burning and destroying your harddrive. This info has been validated and I thought I'd share just as a FYI. I wouldn't open anything resembling the info I've shared. -Steve

[RNRita]

The nasty virus I got was the worst it can get.  When you cannot delete a virus, it is bad.  I had downloaded a computer game and it asked me to turn off antivirus beforehand.  I forgot to turn it back on for three days.  This thing started telling me my computer was infected and I should come to this site: antispyware2009 to fix it for $49.99.  Well, it looks official, but I'm not that stupid.  It would NOT allow me to turn my AVG back on.  I couldn't go to my own antivirus site.  Then I couldn't go to any.  I went into program files and this thing was everywhere.  If you tried to remove it, it said, "cannot be removed, access denied."  It was awful.  People who make these should be beaten with sticks!  I'll do it......

[Jerry_NJ]

My favorite computer forum confirms, the postcard virus trick has been and is now around, be careful.

Usual advice is not to open, or go to a provided link.  I never click on embedded links unless I am comfortable with the context, e.g., in a post on this forum.  So far, so good.

[Momto3]

Thanks Steve!!  No Hallmark cards for me!!!  I have anti-virus software running so hopefully, I'm covered.  Several years ago, I ended up with a trojan and it took me 8 hours and a lot of frustration to get rid of it!  I really wish these people would find something more productive to do with their time : (

[Sirenet]

Postcard

[Sirenet]

Sure, check it out on snopes.com.  Listed as Postacrd virus

[Jerry_NJ]

I may take a look on a computer-help forum to see if there is any information out on your warning.

I (all should) try to avoid opening any email coming from a source I don't trust, and I in fact usually don't open email for addresses I know unless the email also contains a personal introduction about the attached, i.e., say something that lets me know the sender is the sender, not some evil person's effort.

Caution on opening anything on the Internet (web and email) is advised, at all times.