COMPUTER SCAMS

MY EXPERIENCES WITH COMPUTER SCAMS AND ADVICE NOT TO FALL FOR THEM

Today, computer scams of all kinds seem to be popular. Even computer savvy people aren’t immune. It seems like bi-monthly you’re hearing about a scam. If you’re new to computers you may fall for the scams. I grew up without a cell phone or computer and to find that post you can go to Growing Up Without A Computer Or Cell Phone.

SOME of the computer scams I’m familiar with is the “LOGMEIN” Scam, the “Microsoft” scam, the “Anti-Virus” scam, the “Pop-Up/Survey scam, the “Inbox/Trash link scam and many more.

I know my title says my experience and my advice to you so let’s talk about my experiences and my advice of what you should do.

First off, when I first got my first computer I was computer illiterate with the exception of knowing how to run e-mail and turn my computer on/off. I learned by trial and error as I went along. 

Experience #1: “LOGMEIN” Scam – I had these people call about my computer they said they needed remote access(that should’ve been a flag right there to me) but since I was just learning so I wasn’t aware of this. My advice is never give remote access and if you do for some reason, change your password right away so they can’t get access to your computer.

Experience #2: “Anti-Virus” Scam – This can take many forms. Some of the forms you may see is through e-mail, pop-ups or by phone just to name a few. On your computer along the sides or in the center there are advertisements with prices that seem to good to be true. Usually if the price and what they seems to good to be true it usually it is. Also, these scams come by phone sometimes too. This goes with my experience above. My warranty expired and they wanted me to buy it again. I learned from my experience and when I refused to buy their anti-virus program they weren’t happy. Soon after that I took my computer to be checked and they found so many viruses and malware on my computer I was in disbelief. I couldn’t imagine how they got there then it hit me, they were probably planted there. I’ve suspected but can’t prove they did it but they were very angry when I refused to buy their warranty. Soon after that, my computer crashed. My advice is simple never go for the prices on pop-ups there most likely scams. Always do research first.

Experience #3: “Pop-Up/Survey” Scams – Never answer these because most of the time they’re scams.

Experience #4: “Your Microsoft On Your Computer Has Expired” Scam – Someone calls you on the phone and proceeds to tell you Your Microsoft  on your computer has expired. Since I’m on my third computer I’ve learned what’s a scam and what’s not.  It was something to hear but when my mother asked me are you sure? I said yes because Microsoft came with all my computers. I called the place where I got my computer and they said it’s a scam.

Because I was new to computers I fell for the top 3.

What To Do If You Fall For A Scam:

1. Change All Your Passwords Right Away.
2. Run a Full computer Scan to make sure no malware or viruses have been planted in your computer.
3. If the place where you got your computer offers free checkups then take them up on it. You still might want to take your computer for a checkup no matter what. Most of the places make you pay a price. Trust me, it’s worth every penny.

I hope none of you ever fall for a scam but if you do, the above steps can help you. **Please Note** I only mentioned a few things you can do through my experiences.

Please share your experiences if you have any and some tips to follow that I haven’t mentioned.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!

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