Serious Phishing

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1

I’m a Norton customer. When I turned on my Windows laptop on July 2, a message appeared saying “Your PIN is no longer available due to a change to the security settings on this device. Click to set up your PIN again.” I did not do this, but turned the matter over to my domestic partner who handles tech matters for us. He didn’t do anything so far. And he turned off the laptop. Today, July 4, an email arrived  from Norton@secure.norton.com which warned me about data broker sites containing my private info. I saw this email on my phone. I clicked the button in the email and was taken to a site of a seemingly non-Norton company at https://www.backgroundalert.com/optout/. This company, Background Alert, is selling a security product which would allegedly remove my info from several data broker websites.

Most important: How can I safely get into my laptop? What is going on here?

Of next importance: Is Norton partnered with "Background Alert" or not? If this is legit, why the hocus-pocus yesterday at my sign in screen?  If it is not legit, how do I know what website whose URL address begins with “Norton” is OK or not?

Thank you for your assistance. 

2

I suggest running a full system scan with your Norton 360. Then I would suggest a second opinion scan using the FREE version of Malwarebytes. You can find it here https://www.malwarebytes.com/premium/ 

 

3

Hello. Norton email addresses can be validated at this site. If the address isn't on the message you received as written in the article its faked.

https://support.norton.com/sp/en/us/home/current/solutions/v71088498_EndUserProfile_en_us

I do not know if Norton is partnered with the folks at this address either: https://www.backgroundalert.com/optout/

Looking at their website it appears legit, personally I wouldn't trust it and would NOT impose myself to be cleaned house with trying to use that site regardless. Norton has products of its own that will perform the services being offered in that bogus website. DON'T trust it.

SA