Are you worried about being scammed? Or do you think it might have already happened? In July 2021 alone I have worked with three local people who have been victims of scammers, and I’m sure there are more of you, and I’m happy to help.
There’s no shame: scams are a huge problem, and the scammers are getting really good at it. I’ll share a few things below that should be universal Red Flags, and what to do about them. However, first let me emphasize that, above all, they need YOUR cooperation. You are almost certainly NOT scammed or infected with a virus unless you engage with them by either speaking with them on the phone or clicking a provided link. Here are the Red Flags:
- A “cold call” from someone who says they are from Microsoft/Google/Amazon, or even from the IRS, Social Security, etc. What to do: hang up immediately. You can block the number, but they often use rotating phone numbers. Regardless, never engage them.
- Suspicious emails
- An email that appears to be from a friend, asking for something unusual, such as Google Play gift cards. What to do: delete the email – simply call your friend to ask if they sent such an email. Scammers can “fake” email addresses.
- An email that appears to be from Apple or Amazon (or even the IRS or Social Security) that says there has been suspicious activity or charges on your account and provides a link to “validate your account information”. What to do: NEVER EVER click on the provided link. Delete the email immediately. If it is from Amazon or Apple, go to your account and see for yourself it there has been any unusual activity.
- A pop-up screen on your computer that says you have a virus and should call “Microsoft” at the displayed phone number. What to do: ignore it and dismiss the web page – if you can. Sometimes your screen is stuck on that page, and you can’t change it. A computer service can help you get un-stuck. I can help, and there are many others as well.
Stay safe out there, and if you have any doubts, feel free to contact me.