Cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to trick people, and we at Computer Techs are seeing an uptick in scams that target computer and internet users. These scams often look convincing on the surface, but with a little extra caution, you can spot the red flags before becoming a victim.
Fake Invitations
One of the most dangerous scams making the rounds is an email that appears to come from someone you know—a neighbor, friend, or even a family member. The message might say something like “Check out this important document” or “Click here to view the invitation.”
If you click the link, it doesn’t open a document—it silently downloads a remote support trojan onto your computer. Once installed, scammers can take control of your system, steal data, or even lock you out completely.
👉 How to protect yourself:
- Never click unexpected links, even if they appear to come from someone you trust.
- If the email feels suspicious, call the person directly to confirm they really sent it.
Fake Invoice Scams (McAfee, Geek Squad, and More)
Another common scam involves fake invoices seemingly from big-name companies such as McAfee, Geek Squad, Norton or PayPal. These emails claim you’ve been charged for a subscription renewal and provide a phone number to call if you want to cancel.
Of course, the invoice is fake. If you call, scammers may trick you into giving them remote access to your computer or your credit card details.
👉 How to protect yourself:
- Legitimate companies don’t send invoices out of the blue for services you didn’t order.
- Check your bank account or official account page directly instead of trusting an email.
- Don’t call the number in the email—go to the company’s official website for real contact information.
How to Spot a Scam Message
Scammers rely on urgency, fear, or curiosity to get you to click. Before responding to any unexpected email, text, or phone call, take a step back and look for these signs:
- Bogus addresses or phone numbers – Hover over (but don’t click) an email address or link to see where it really leads.
- Bad grammar and spelling mistakes – Billion-dollar corporations don’t send sloppy emails.
- Generic greetings – Messages that start with “Dear Customer” instead of your actual name are suspicious.
- Pressure to act quickly – “Act now or lose your account!” is a classic scam tactic.
The Golden Rule: Don’t Click
Above all, never open unexpected email links or attachments. If something looks even a little off, pick up the phone and call the person or company using a number you trust—not the one in the suspicious message.
Click here to view examples of the latest phishing and scams that we’re seeing.
Final Thoughts
Scams are becoming more sophisticated, but with a little vigilance you can stay safe. When in doubt, remember: slow down, verify, and never click blindly.