For years we’ve been warning people about tech support scams where someone claiming to be from Microsoft, your internet service provider or computer manufacturer calls to inform you that your computer is in danger and filled with trojan viruses or critical errors. In a later twist, shady companies began advertising on Google, Yahoo, Bing and other websites targeting search terms such as “HP tech support number” in hopes that vulnerable computer users would call them. After calling the number … [Read more...]
January 18, 2014 By Computer Techs
January 8, 2014 By Computer Techs
Internet search results for tech support often show misleading ads from companies that attempt to swindle your money
Sometimes when you have a problem with your computer, printer or other technology device you may be tempted to search the internet to find a resolve for the problem. When you search the internet using Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc. you will get search results from multiple advertisers that if contacted they will attempt to scare you into paying lots of money for a computer problem that you likely don’t have. This is similar to the fake calls from Microsoft scam, but since you are initiating the … [Read more...]
March 1, 2013 By Computer Techs
What to do if your email account has been hacked
Recently we’ve had a lot of clients report that their Yahoo, AOL or Hotmail email has been hacked. They first notice the problem when they are alerted by their email contacts claiming that they are receiving spam emails with links to prescription drug or work-at-home websites, or a plea for money after being robbed while traveling overseas. When attempting to login to their email some will discover that their password has been changed and they are unable to access their account. Others have … [Read more...]
January 1, 2012 By Computer Techs
“As Seen on TV” Repair Scams
You’ve probably seen the TV ads or computer pop-ups for websites such as CyberDefender, PCMatic.com, MyCleanPC, FinallyFast.com and others. They promise to speed up your computer by fixing registry errors, reducing clutter, tweak settings, etc. Their websites promote a 100% guarantee, 5-star ratings from well-known web sites and user reviews that make their claims seem believable. But doing a little research shows the truth about many of these quick-fix programs and websites: many can be … [Read more...]
January 1, 2010 By Computer Techs
PC Repair Shop Dangers
Why take your computer to a shop? Watch the videos below about the dangers of taking your PC to a shop... … [Read more...]
January 1, 2010 By Computer Techs
How to spot email “phishing”
Phishing emails attempt to gather personal information such as passwords, account information or credit card numbers. The emails appear to be from a legitimate source – your bank, internet or email provider for example. They are often designed to mimic the appearance of a legitimate business including company email addresses and logos. But with a closer look, you can often spot phishing emails from some of the characteristics which I list below. … [Read more...]
January 1, 2010 By Computer Techs
Junk e-mail (spam) prevention tips
One of the most common questions we hear from customers is how to reduce the amount of junk e-mail or “spam”. In this article I answer why you get spam, how to avoid getting it in the first place, and how to manage the spam you already get. Why do get spam? Do you recall when you first got your e-mail address – you probably got little or no spam. The longer you have an address the more likely you are to get spam – and the amount increases over time as your address gets stored on in an … [Read more...]
January 1, 2010 By Computer Techs
Help prevent your email accounts from being hacked
We’ve had a lot of support calls recently where the person’s email or other account has been hacked. In the case of email accounts, the hackers have copied the person’s contact list and is sending spam messages out to the contacts and forging their name and email address. After their account got hacked, people usually ask us how it happened. Below are usual ways that hackers are able to access accounts. 1. Guessing an insecure password to access your account. 2. Guessing the answer to … [Read more...]
January 1, 2010 By Computer Techs
How to avoid malware and viruses
What is malware/virus – and how does it get on the computer?Malware is short for malicious software and includes viruses, spyware, scareware and similar programs installed on your computer that is installed without your consent or knowledge. Most malware mimics legitimate software in an attempt to get you to purchase something and divulge your credit card information. Malware usually comes from 3 main sources: Malware can come as an e-mail attachment such as a file with an .exe or .zip … [Read more...]