Phone and Email Scams Are on the Rise – Here’s How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

The average American receives hundreds of scam phone calls and emails each year. While many people believe they know how to spot a scam email or call, scammers are becoming much more efficient. This can make it difficult to tell the difference between what’s real and fake.

Many scammers use scare tactics and present themselves as legitimate companies in order to gain access to sensitive information and/or infect the recipient’s computer with nasty computer viruses and malware.

As one of Orange County’s premier computer repair service providers, we hear from multiple clients each year that have fallen victim to phone and email scams. These people are often surprised to learn that the email they responded to or the phone call they returned came from someone other than the person or company they expected. The fact is, anyone can fall victim to scams. This is why it’s so important to learn all you can about protecting yourself.

Protect Yourself Against Scammers!

The following tips can help you avoid being scammed:

1. Microsoft does not ever contact users
2. Microsoft does not have an outbound virus department in India
3. The IRS will not contact you by phone – you must call them yourself
4. The IRS will not ever request your Social Security number over the phone
5. Pop-ups, emails, and phone calls claiming they have detected a virus on your system are fake
6. The only way someone could tell if you have a virus on your computer is if they are logged in
7. Never allow someone to login to your computer unless you know them personally or trust them
8. Clicking on the blue popup claiming you have a virus on your computer will likely infect your computer with a virus
9. Emails and calls from your bank, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media accounts asking for username, password, or other sensitive information are scams
10. Never give your personal information to anyone over the phone
11. Phone calls stating you broke the law and must provide your address, phone number, or other sensitive information are fake
12. Voicemails left by callbots (computer generated robots) stating you owe money or you are being are scams

If you’ve fallen victim to one of these common scams, you’re not alone. Scammers make a living off what they do. If you have given access to your computer or given out your username(s), password, or social security number, make sure to call your bank, lock your credit file, change all of your usernames and passwords, and have a trusted computer repair specialist wipe and reload your computer.  Please contact us for assistance.