…and what to do if tech scams are being run on you!
Last month we got the skinny on how one little upgrade to SSD can speed up your computing life. I’m calling out tech scams in this post, along with their tricks used to swindle millions out of computer owners each year.
You’d want to know If your computer had a virus immediately, right? Your digital life is essentially destroyed by these tech scammers when important files are corrupted and you lose your photos, and more importantly, your personal information. It is scary to even think about it.
Tech scammers have been able to con millions of dollars from average people across the world. They can do this because they realize we’d be lost without our computers and that most of us are unaware of what is going on behind what they see on the computer screen.
A pop-up jumps onto the screen out of nowhere. It will say something to the effect of “your system is infected with spyware”…or malware, or a virus, take your pick. Better yet is the random phone call from a guy who’s name is ‘Bill’ and has a heavy Indian accent and they tell you they are with Microsoft or some other popular tech company.
The scammer tells you that they will give you a special link to download some support software. They tell you this will fix the ‘problem’.
They then gain access to your computer and make it look like it is loaded with viruses. In fact, they make it look somewhat convincing with fabricated errors, flashing screens, and made up diagnostics. This is all intended to make you fearful and panic.
Sometimes they will even say you may face criminal charges, claiming your computer is infected with illegal content, and you can go to jail if not corrected.
This is when they know you are hooked. Now they start becoming pushy and demanding a credit card number. Once you give them your credit card information, they then make it seem as if the ‘problem’ is fixed and stop messing with it.
Now, this is not just a hit and run scam either. They will try and milk it for all they can. Since they now have access to your computer, they can recreate the ‘problem’ anytime they want. This next time, however, they will look to push you into a recurring payment plan, or subscription, for ongoing protection.
"Microsoft, the real Microsoft, will not call people randomly like this. Never!….Ever!"
-Joe B.
Be wary of any unsolicited pop-up message on your device; don’t click on it and don’t call the number. It is most likely a tech scam.
Joe B.
First, don’t beat yourself up too much. It does feel crappy, but you are definitely not alone in this situation and it can be corrected. At a minimum, do the following:
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