- The best defense for ANY Email, Text, Pop-Up or phone call is to start by assuming it’s a scam.
- Don’t allow them to pressure you. Take your time.
- Independently verify what they are claiming. Call your bank or credit card company.
- The government does not make phone calls. They only use mail.
- Give us a call or forward a picture of the email or text you received. We do not charge to take a quick look and let you know if we think it’s a scam. We want all our clients to be safe.
- If you use these tips, you can thwart most hacks and fraud.
1. Fake Notifications
You see a pop-up box or boxes on the right side of your screen, claiming to be from Microsoft, Norton, McAfee or another legitimate business. This pop-up says there is some urgent issue with your computer, bank account, software license, etc. You are instructed to immediately call a number or click a link to resolve the issue.
2. Fake Web Browser Pop-Ups
Same as Notifications above, but they can appear anywhere on your screen when you have a web browser open.
How to Avoid These Scams
Assume they are fake. Restart your computer. If the pop-up goes away, nothing more is usually needed. If the pop-up returns, you can turn off notifications or reset your browser settings. (Google how to do this or make an appointment for help).
3. Fake Texts or Emails
You receive a text or an email, claiming to be a shipment notification, a purchase confirmation, an overdue invoice, or an urgent notice from your bank or a government agency.
How to Avoid This Scam
Ignore and delete the text or email. If you think it could be legitimate, contact the company directly-not by using the phone number or link in the text.
- Scammer Phone Calls
You get a phone call, supposedly from your bank, a government agency, Microsoft, Norton, McAfee, Apple, etc. The caller says that there is an issue with your computer or bank account, and they can help you if you allow them access to your computer. They often demand that you provide them with confidential information to authenticate yourself.
How to Avoid This Scam
Hang up the phone.
Do not believe anything they say, no matter what information they provide to make you trust them.
NEVER ALLOW THEM TO ACCESS TO YOUR COMPUTER or CELL PHONE.
Never give them a security code that you receive during the phone call.
If you allow them access, or provide confidential information, the scammers often ask you to login to your bank account, and they then manipulate the bank’s web page display to show you that they have “accidentally” deposited a large sum of money into your bank account and that you need to transfer it back to them.
In other cases, they may say your bank account has been compromised and that they need to move your money out of that account for your protection.
