Issue 21.12
Recently a number of my clients have had a very similar experience and I hope to make everyone aware so they can protect themselves. The first thing that happens is that you will get a phone call. The person on the other end will tell you they are from Microsoft and that your computer has a serious problem that they can help you fix.
I can tell you with no doubt that Microsoft will never call you unless you are a big corporation and they are trying to sell you something. They just don’t care that much. Usually the call goes like this. The person calling will tell you (usually with a fairly thick accent) that they have discovered a problem with you computer or operating system and they need your permission to log in to your computer to fix it. Don’t do it! If you give them access they will plant nasty software in your system and try to convince you to give them a bunch of money (usually $80 to $200 depending on how many computers you have) to fix the problem they have created. They are calling from outside the country, so even if you call your credit card company after discovering you have been scammed, they may not be able to get your money back. If you allowed them access, your computer may no longer work.
The old adage is still important to remember – if you didn’t ask for it, don’t let it near your computer. This is just the latest and most brazen attempt to take your money and more importantly, your credit card information. Once they have it, they can run up charges and possibly even steal your identity. In this day and age, you have to protect yourself by being very wise about the intent of evil people. I don’t choose to live my life in a paranoid state, but I do take a moment to consider how likely something is to be true before even considering it.
For example, I just don’t think that anyone is going to give me thousands or millions of dollars to help them swindle their government just because they somehow got my email address. That is an extreme example, but some people get convinced by flowery language or pleas to their compassion or greed. Another old adage is “if it sounds too good to be true, it is,” – Words to live by.
Another related issue is that a number of anti-virus programs are offering important updates right now that deal with some of the newest security threats. AVG (the one I use) has a major update which is easy to install. Just open the AVG program and there will be a link on the left side encouraging you to update. If you click it and follow the instructions, your computer will be more secure. Many other anti-virus programs are doing similar upgrades, so watch for them and, as always, remember to back up anything important to you.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 30 years, 20 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or through his website at www.bitsnbytescomputers.com.