What’s with all the scams on the Internet Lately! Yikes!
First, I get a phone call from a friend to inform me that her computer had been compromised and her contact list was snatched. Well, I did receive an email and many others did as well that she was stranded in Spain and needs money!
Then not that long ago, a family member called me to say that a message keeps flashing on the computer screen “Warning” Your system requires immediate anti-virus scan.” A free scan is offered. What do you do?
Well, I personally saw that flashing message too. I recalled reading somewhere to DO NOT CLICK ON IT ANYWHERE NOT EVEN DO NOT CLICK ON “NO THANKS” AND JUST MANUALLY SHUT DOWN YOUR COMPUTER BY PRESSING THE BUTTON ON YOUR TOWER.
Another solution is to hold down the Control and Alt keys and hit Delete. Once the application tab pops up, select “End Task”. Then always do a full scan on your computer with the anti-virus software you already have. I find it strange that the anti-virus programs we have installed in our computers don’t already detect these scams and throw them into a scam folder immediately. I’m a self-taught computer person and I don’t have all the answers but I try to learn as much as I can.
Just recently as yesterday, I received a Scam that claimed they were from AOL and that I had to provide them with updated information within a certain amount of time otherwise my service would shut down. They asked for usernames and passcodes. Well, I forwarded that email along to AOL for them to try and investigate who was doing this.
Many of us have received scams that look just like it is coming from our banks with their logos. The banks say: they do not email their customers requesting personal information of any kind. And always be warned when you see “Dear Customer” instead of your real name.
How good are you at recognizing a scam or a con? More important, we all have to learn as to what to do to avoid being ripped off or having your identity stolen or being conned out of your money.
Recently, on the News, it was stating that the ATM machines are another scam……….is anywhere safe these days? They said that only after the light flashes should you proceed with entering your PIN, and to cover the keypad to block prying eyes or cameras. I avoid ATM machines altogether. Is life so busy that you can’t go through the drive through or walk straight in to the bank to withdraw funds?
Sad that we have to shred our junk mail or any mail we no longer need. People actually go through the trash bins for personal information. What has this world turned into? Surely, if something is illegal, it is definitely something the con artist is interested in. Heaven forbid these people should work a regular 9-5 job for income instead of stealing it from innocent citizens, who work hard for their paychecks to support themselves and their families.