CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Better Business Bureau said they're seeing a surge in ransomware reports in the Carolinas.
A woman who was targeted by scammers reached out to NBC Charlotte after they told her they'd detected fraud activity on her computer. They even threatened to call the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) if she didn't call.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent out a warning to the public. Several people in Charlotte say they have received the threatening voicemail with the same number to call.
Janet Deshields called the alleged scammers while NBC Charlotte's Xavier Walton listened.
"I received a call that I need to call this number immediately," said Deshields. "You want me to log onto my computer. Give you complete control and access of my computer. I work in fraud, and I'm very familiar with fraud and with the trade commission...beep...they hung up on me."
So what is ransomware? Experts said it causes a virus that infects your computer. Once the virus is in your computer, it can access your internal network. The virus spreads quickly looking for vulnerable locations without security patches. All your data is encrypted; you get locked out. Then the hacker sends a notice promising to unlock your system, but only if you pay, and even that's a risk.
Earlier this year, a Department of Justice report revealed there are some 4,000 ransomware attacks daily which is a 300% increase since 2015.
Now back to the people who hung up on Janet, we called them back.
"If you don't know what's going on in your own little world, you will take this thing seriously," said Deshields. "Well, if you don't call us back you're going to have to let the FBI that there's some illegal activity on in your computer, and we don't know if you did or someone else so we'd have to bring the FBI in and that can scare people."
