Pop up Scams and then some

This is a reprint from a Tech Tip written last year.  Pop Up Scams are the single most written about topic in this column.  Microsoft will NEVER take over your computer, nor will Apple or the FBI.  They will NOT call you on the phone, they will not legitimately 'pop-up' on your screen telling you to call them because they detected malware or viruses. Please do not give remote access to your computer to anyone you aren't married to or that didn't spring from your loins.

Pop-ups are annoying. A pop-up may be a warning that takes up your entire screen, and appears to not let you do anything but read it, or click something on it. Often, it's a dire warning that you have terrible virus' on your pc, or have just been hacked. Sometimes there's a number to call for help. DO NOT CALL THEM. It's fake. They will want to take over your computer and "fix" the issues, and then charge you $370. So, here's a money saving tip, reboot your computer. If you know how, do a ctrl+alt+del and open task manager and cancel it. Or just press and hold the power button till your computer shuts off. When you turn it back on, that nasty pop-up should be gone, and if it is, you can send me $150, and buy a copy of MalwareBytes. You've still saved about $170.

The other scammy annoyance is the emails. I've now been getting them with actual valid email addresses, and names in them. Usually no subject, and never anything personal. Just a link in an email. Again, do not click the link. Eventually, these scammers will start adding some personal touch to the emails to make them seem more realistic. It will get tougher to spot these, and believe me, I've fallen for them too. I let my guard down, getting an email from my daughter. It was a couple years back, and I clicked the link. I realized immediately my error, rebooted my computer, and ran my anti malware programs. It happens to the best of us. The best thing to do is be aware, and be skeptical.

Similarly, I am also getting phone calls that have valid people's names and the 685 prefix, but they aren't. That's spoofing. They are sales calls, robots, and they really bug me. That shouldn't even be possible, but the phone company allows spoofing. Grrr. 

Another one we've been getting. Windstream sends an email saying there's a problem with my account, we need to fix it right away or the account will be closed imminently. Uh-huh. Just delete that one, it's fake.

Ah, for the good old days, when all I had to worry about was a Nigerian Prince, or Banck of America wanting something. The spelling errors were a great tip-off. I don't get those anymore. Now I have to pay attention.

Here is a link from the REAL Microsoft support about the issue and suggestions on what to do if you do fall victim to this.   Click Here.
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