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 and Social Security Statements

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 “RSVP for the celebration (of life)” ,“Click here to view the invitation.”, “Check out this important document” or “Check out the pictures”.

If you click the link, it discreetly downloads a remote access trojan onto your computer. Once installed, scammers can take control of your system, access your online accounts, steal data, or even lock you out completely.

Since the re-named file is a legitimate remote support tool often used by businesses, antivirus programs do not detect it as malicious. But what scammers can do via remote access to your computer can be very dangerous and impact your finances and identity.

This same method of a disguised remote support tool has also been seen as a fake Social Security Statement, and will likely evolve into other methods of deceptive delivery.

👉 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.

Fake cloud storage notices

Unfortunately, cybercriminals have found ways to exploit the popularity of cloud services through phishing scams. A recent surge in email and text message scams involves messages that claim:

• Your cloud storage is full.
• Your cloud account is about to expire.
• You’ve exceeded your storage quota and must pay to continue accessing your files.
• Your files will be deleted.

These messages often include a link that leads to a fake login page or payment form, which can steal your login credentials or credit card information. Some variants will even try to sell you an alternative bogus cloud storage service. The scammers may even spoof legitimate services like Google, Apple, or Dropbox, making the messages look authentic.

Read more info here…

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 – even if it appears to come from someone you know – 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.
• Think about the situation – Why would a friend send you something out of the blue? Why would you get an email from PayPal or McAfee if you don’t even have an account with them?

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.