Have I been hacked? :(

[cakedup]

So embarassed to say I got duped this morning. What's worse is that I was suspicious of the call but I wasn't completely sure what was going on.

'Virgin media' called me and asked me to look something up on the computer to see how many items were listed. I've already checked this online and apparently this task is just a harmless ploy to win over confidence. Then they asked me to bring up the 'run' search (by pressing windows and R) and asked me to type in this website: [dodgy link removed by MNHQ]. Before entering it on the run search bar, I typed it in separately in a search engine. A page depicting bargraphs with a Virgin media header came up. Then the line went dead and I immediately closed the website page.

DP is now going crazy, he has phoned Virgin who are saying that it sounded like the scammers were trying to hack into our router and get access to personal info. They've apparently advised me to block my bank accounts, turn my router off for 5 hours (I'm meant to be wfh), change all my passwords etc.

DP really angry and now I'm in tears. DP is a technophobe, doesn't even use debit cards online and very much on the paranoid side. Not sure how much he or Virgin over reacting. I accept I've been stupid.

But I just don't think they could have got into anything - all I did was put in the above web address. Anyone IT savvy that can give me their opinion please?

I would report your post and ask them to remove the link- you really don't want other people clicking on it just in case unless you're actually a scammer.

I would do as Virgin advise. Have you checked your bank account and changed passwords?

As @NerrSnerr advised re link.

Turn off the router(clears cache) and keep a close eye on bank accounts. Freeze bank cards & change passwords. If you don't already run a virus & malware scan over your pc.

It is easily done, millions get scammed. And they do it in s way that is not immediately obvious. Golden rule- if you did not call them, or are expecting a call, do not do what they ask.

Websites can run scripts immediately after being opened that can put malicious files on your PC/Phone without being obvious. Even just being open for seconds this can happen, that's the danger here if you went to the website directly using a browser. They can either give hackers a direct access to your computer remotely, or can they record every keystroke you enter (so it's easy to see while logging into online banking what your password is). First thing is get your bank accounts locked and safe for the mean-time.

Get someone you know who's more familiar with using computers. My advice would be to disable your internet, then load up your computer with safe mode enabled. Then run virus/malware scans to check for any hidden viruses/files that may have been installed. You should be able to download the anti-virus software onto a USB from another device to transfer over to the computer you need to scan.

Here's a thread about it on the Windows forums -
answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/my-computer-has-a-virus-can-i-boot-up-in-safe-mode/3ee128df-cb0a-4c73-a097-90757829c99a

Thanks all.
I honestly can't believe I fell for this. Worst thing is that I even suspected there was foul play - and still opened up the website. I've only had my Virgin account for a month with new landline that no-one but Virgin has a record of as it's ex-directory (or so I thought).

I have reset the router (overnight), changed router and wifi passwords and I'm bringing my work laptop into work tomorrow as they want to clean it up.

I don't know why I'm finding this so upsetting. I actually feel like someone has tried to steal my handbag or something.

Try not to feel bad, just use it as an experience to make sure you don't get caught out again (the website url was a red flag). I'd recommend changing your online banking passwords as well by the way.