Volume 2 Issue 6 12/08/2021
Editor: Cathy Balmer
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Leisure World Computer and Technology Club
Tech Talk
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This week Chris Winter has provided excellent information in his "Tip from Chris Winter" segment. His tip this week is longer than usual, and since your Tech Talk editor is in Montana visiting grandchildren, this week's newsletter contains an expanded version of Chris's weekly tip.
Follow-up links and information from our program on cybersecurity on 12/6 as well as information about meetings for the week of 12/13 are in the "Club Updates" section. This information can also be found on the Club's website at lwazcc.org.
Club Updates
Follow-up links and information from Monday's program with Bob Gostischa about Cybersecurity:
Reminder: The saying "The more the merrier" does not apply to antivirus programs. While it may seem like adding a second program will provide back-up protection, the reality is that having multiple antivirus programs running at the same time can cause your system to crash. If you want to change to AVAST from a different antivirus program, you will need to remove your current program. This is true for other antivirus programs as well.
Upcoming Programs:
- Monday 12/13/2021, 9-10:30 Rec 1 Theater: How to use Facebook including FB Messenger, buying and selling items using FB Marketplace, setting up FB Groups (they can be used to create a closed group of close family and friends to share pictures and info without having it available outside the group), and FB tips and tricks.
- Thursday, 12/16/2021, 9-10:30 in the computer classroom: Hands-on follow-up to Monday's program. Join us and try out some of the Facebook features.
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The "Program Calendar" tab on the Club's website has our schedule of topics. It will continue to be updated as new programs, meetings, and classes are added. The Zoom link for Monday programs will also be included in the Calendar.
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Stop Getting Scammed
For as long as I’ve been working with Leisure World residents, I’ve seen them get scammed on almost a daily basis. I’ll cover a few of the common scams I’ve seen and give you a couple rules to follow to prevent yourself from being scammed in the future.
Common Scams
1) “We are from Microsoft (or Tech Support) and your computer has a virus”. This is the oldest one in the book and by now you have heard of the scam and maybe have fallen for it. The scammers have since moved on to more believable scams, many using the same tactics to SCARE you into giving them money. If anyone calls you claiming to be “tech support” or from “Microsoft”, hang up the phone. Microsoft will NEVER call you under any circumstances, and good luck ever finding a real Microsoft help line number. Nearly every customer service number you find online will be a number to a Scam Call Center.
2) “This is Amazon, your account has been hacked” or “We have an issue/refund with your account.” This is a slightly newer scam that attempts to scare you into giving up your Amazon username and password. Once they have access, they will order gift cards then archive the order so you never see it. Trust me when I say that Amazon will not be calling you; instead, they will email you if there is an issue.
3) “This is border enforcement/IRS/Social Security Office and you are going to be arrested.” I will cover a few scams in one here since the scam remains the same, to scare you with legal trouble into giving them money. Most of the time they want you to buy gift cards and give them the gift card information. Just about every government agency will contact you through mail rather than call you directly. Asking for payments in Gift Cards is a HUGE RED FLAG! Since when did Uncle Sam take payments using a gift card for Google Play or the Apple Store?
4) (This scam is typically in email form) “We have video of you from your web camera watching adult movies and unless you pay us we will be releasing the video to your friends, family and employer.” This is another scare tactic hoping to reach a person who may have visited an adult site. They send emails en masse to millions of email addresses.
These are just a few of the common scams I’ve seen residents of Leisure World fall for, but be careful since there are many other scams, many with similar properties to those mentioned above. You worked hard your entire life and should never allow someone to pull a fast one, taking away any portion of your nest egg. Don’t trust any phone call or it can cost you. I’ve had one client who fell for a scam and lost over $4,000!!
Rules to Avoid Being Scammed
I’d like to cover a few simple rules to prevent this from happening to you.
1) NEVER, and I mean NEVER, allow any tech support or other person you are speaking with over the phone onto your computer. They will want you to download a REMOTE desktop program so they can have control of your computer.
2) If you are searching a customer service number online and call the wrong number, they will lead you down the path of letting them onto your computer. Be very cognizant of what website you are on since many of the scammers have websites that look very similar to what you are searching for. Here is an example: A recent client was looking for HP’s customer service number using a Yahoo search. They called the number and were connected with an India-based scam center. The client allowed them access to their computer. At that point the scammer started pointing out issues with their computer and demanding a bunch of money to repair all the problems.
Bonus tip: Yahoo and Bing are riddled with scammers using ads to be at the top of your search results. Google is much safer.
3) If anyone calls you claiming to be from a Government agency, or just about any company claiming there is an issue, this is a HUGE RED FLAG! Unless you specifically scheduled something, you should just hang up. No need to be nice with pleasantries because the nicer you are the more they will call.
4) If you hear any mention of GIFT CARDS as payment, RUN…..RUN FAST from whomever you are speaking with. No reputable agency will take payments in the form of gift cards.
Chris The Computer Guy
(480) 277-7170
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Check out our website at lwazcc.org.
Did you miss one of our Monday programs? Links to our previous programs can be found HERE.
Do you have comments or suggestions? Drop us an email at lwctclub@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!
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