The computer scams are out there

Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 08:03:42 -0400
From: “Pat Hurlman”
Subject: the computer scam call

As Lee said the computer scams are out there. I got a call and I wasn’t sure what it was but listened for a few minutes. After they got me to the place on my computer where all the warnings were and told me how bad it was and that I needed t now close it up because it’s a very sensitive part of the computer where you could do a lot of damage. He just wanted to show me how bad it was. The he tried to sell me something that would help speed up my computer and take care of all that. I said I would bring it to the attention of my computer guy ( who happens to be Lee Pollard/Computer Therapy INC). This sales person tried to convince me that me computer guy would not be able to resolve the problem. But I said I would talk to my computer guy about it anyway and then I hear nothing on the other end. he hung up. I guess he figured he wasn’t getting a sale out of me. So they are out there and if you don’t know about computers don’t fall for their nonsense, scare tactics and high pressure sales pitch.

Pat

Date: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 19:39:52 -0400
From: “Lee – Computer Therapy, Inc”
Subject: A word of warning about computer scams

First of all, this is not a solicitation for services but rather a word of warning to hopefully protect computer users from NEEDING service.

Today alone I have had calls from 4 county residents whose computers were displaying a warning message about possible security vulnerabilities, virus activity, etc. Each of these warning presented a phone number to call. One such number is 855-763-0456; if you Google that number you will find that it is for a variety of “technical support” companies. You will also find many posts that report these types of companies as frauds.

Once the computer user called the phone number, a person with a distinct accent (trying to be politically correct here) talked the caller through allowing a remote access, planted a small application on the computer, displayed error messages, etc . and then proceeded to try to sell the caller anti-virus and adware protection, computer maintenance contacts, etc.

I am not mentioning the protection software they were hawking but in at least one case, it was FREE software that they were attempting to charge for.

Should you get such a bogus warning message, before you call the number on the screen, call whoever you get your local support from to verify that you are not really at risk.

Companies like mine and Tritech in Siler City will often provide this analysis at no charge over the phone.

One simple solution is to use a system restore to return your operating system to a date prior to when the situation occurred.

Along these same lines, over the past months I have had customers (usually those in retirement communities as I suspect the fraudsters think they will be more susceptible) that have been called directly and the caller states that they are calling from Microsoft, etc .. The end result of which is a credit card charge for $300 to $400.

Bottom line is that you should check with someone that you know before trusting anyone to log in to your computer.

Lee Pollard
President
Computer Therapy, Inc.
VOTED BEST COMPUTER SERVICE IN CHATHAM COUNTY
(919) 932-4357 – office
(919) 218-8115 – Lee’s cell
(919) 218-5509 – mobile technician