Time is Money! Don’t Make the Mistake of Calling the 1-800 Pop-Up!
Too often, we see clients who have been hacked on their devices because of calling a mismarked service number from Amazon or Microsoft. It happens so frequently that we have a name for these believable scammer notifications. We refer to the pop-ups as, “the 1-800 pop-ups.”
The story goes, Sally was one day going through her emails. All of a sudden, a pop-up from Amazon appeared. The pop-up said, “Was this you? Someone has used your Amazon account to purchase $500 worth of household cleaning supplies. Call this number to verify this transaction, 1(800) xxx-xxxx.” Sally knew she had not made this purchase and attempted to call the 1-800 number provided. She was soon connected with an “Amazon service provider” who said she must allow him into her computer to terminate the transaction. Before she knew it, Sally was talked into paying the “Amazon service provider” $1,200 to rectify the issue.
When Sally realized she was scammed, she brought her infected computer to the local computer store to get it cleaned up. There, her computer was cleaned for another added charge. After her computer was cleaned of all infections, Sally realized the frustration the situation had caused her. She wasted many precious hours and a large sum of money trying to rectify the issue.
STOP!
Don’t fall for the same ploy as Sally!
Scammers are real, and they will stop at nothing to present a believable hook to try to trick their prey. Don’t fall for it! Let’s decipher the situation.
- If a pop-up appears on your screen saying, “There has been a charge on your account,” check your account first to see if the claim is legitimate. If you have a question about a pop-up’s legitimacy, call C&W Technologies!
- If a “1-800” number pops up, DON’T CALL IT!
- If someone says they must, “get into your computer to fix the issue,” don’t let them in. If a company ever needs to remote into your device, make sure you know the company and they are reputable.
- Never pay a company if you are not clear as to what the charge is for.
How Do I know if a Security Alert from Microsoft is Real?
If you receive a security alert from Microsoft, some key indicators can help you determine if it is legitimate or not.
Firstly, be aware of the type of information being asked for. Microsoft will never ask for personal information such as passwords or credit card numbers through security alerts.
Secondly, check the sender’s email address and make sure it is an official Microsoft email address. Scammers often use fake email addresses in attempts to trick users.
Thirdly, be cautious of any unexpected pop-ups or links in the alert. If you are unsure, go directly to Microsoft’s website and check for any security alerts there.
Lastly, if you are still unsure about the legitimacy of a security alert from Microsoft, contact their customer support directly to verify it. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to online security.
Remember, scammers will use any means necessary to try and trick unsuspecting individuals.
Know the 4 Most Common Scams
Tech Support Scams
In these scams, a pop-up or phone call will claim to be from a reputable company like Microsoft or Apple, stating that there is an issue with your device and they need remote access to fix it. They will often charge fees for this service and may also inject malware into your system.
Phishing Scams
These scams use fake emails, websites, or text messages to trick users into giving out personal information such as passwords and credit card numbers. They may appear to be from a legitimate source like a bank or online retailer.
Fake Virus Alerts
Similar to tech support scams, these alerts will claim that your device is infected with a virus and prompt you to call a certain number for assistance. These scams often lead to installing malware or paying for unnecessary services.
Prize and Lottery Scams
These scams typically involve a notification that you have won a large sum of money or a prize, but to claim it you must first pay a fee. In reality, there is no prize and the scammers are just after your money.
It is important to stay informed and aware of these common scams to protect yourself from falling victim. If you ever encounter a suspicious pop-up or notification, always verify its legitimacy before taking any action. Remember, time is money and it’s not worth wasting either on scammers! So, be cautious and take the necessary steps to keep your personal information safe online.
How Can You Tell If Someone is an Online Scammer?
While it may not always be easy to spot an online scammer, there are some red flags to look out for. Here are a few signs that someone may be trying to scam you:
- They ask for personal information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or social security numbers.
- They use aggressive tactics or pressure you into making a decision quickly.
- They claim to be from a reputable company or organization, but their email address or website looks suspicious.
- They ask for payment in unusual ways, such as gift cards or wire transfers.
- They offer large sums of money or prizes but require an upfront fee to claim them.
If you encounter any of these warning signs, it’s best to err on the side of caution and do some research before providing any information or making a payment.
Let C&W Technologies Assist You!
If you ever come across a suspicious pop-up or notification, our team at C&W Technologies is here to help! We can assist you in determining the legitimacy of a security alert, website, or email and provide guidance on how to protect yourself from online scams.
The first step to protecting your business from potential threats is a network assessment.At C&W Technologies, security is our top priority. With our reliable and secure remote support services, you can trust us to keep your devices safe and protected from cyber threats.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help keep you and your information safe while using technology. Stay safe and secure with C&W Technologies!
FAQs
Q: How can I protect myself from falling victim to a Microsoft scam?
A: To avoid Microsoft scams, verify security alerts or messages directly with Microsoft. Refrain from sharing personal information or making payments to unknown sources. Keep devices and software updated to prevent vulnerabilities.
Q: What should I do if I think I may have fallen victim to an online scam?
A: If you believe you have been scammed, immediately stop communication with the scammer and contact your bank or credit card company to report the incident. It’s also a good idea to change your passwords and monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity.
Q: How can I avoid falling for charity scams?
A: To avoid charity scams, research organizations before donating. Beware of high-pressure tactics and avoid sharing personal information or sending money to unknown sources. Verify charity legitimacy through official websites or directories. Report suspicious activity to authorities. Legitimate charities won’t pressure you to donate.
Q: How can I protect my bank account from online scams?
A: To protect your bank account, be cautious about sharing personal information or making payments to unknown sources. Keep devices and software updated to prevent vulnerabilities. Monitor your accounts regularly for any suspicious activity.
Q: How can I determine a legitimate website?
A: To determine if a website is legitimate, check for secure URLs starting with “https”, look for trust indicators such as security badges or customer reviews, do an online search for the website, and trust your instincts – if something seems off, it’s best to avoid the website altogether.
Q: What is identity theft and how can I prevent it?
A: Identity theft is when someone steals your personal information, such as your name, address, credit card numbers, or social security number, to commit fraud or other crimes.
To prevent identity theft, be cautious about sharing personal information online and regularly monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity. Keep devices and software updated to prevent vulnerabilities. You can also consider enrolling in credit monitoring services for added protection.
Q: Can I use multiple accounts for online transactions?
A: It is generally not recommended to use multiple accounts for online transactions unless necessary. Having multiple accounts can make it difficult to keep track of your financial activity and increases the risk of falling victim to scams or identity theft. If you do have multiple accounts, be sure to monitor them regularly for any suspicious activity.
Q: How can I protect my personal details online?
A: To protect your personal information, be cautious about sharing sensitive details online, like your full name, address, date of birth, and social security number. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments in emails and keep your devices and software updated to prevent vulnerabilities. Consider using a reliable password manager and enabling two-factor authentication for added security.
Q: What should I do if I fall victim to an online scam?
A: If you fall victim to an online scam, immediately stop communication with the scammer and report the incident to authorities. Contact your bank or credit card company and change your passwords. It may also be helpful to seek assistance from a reputable tech support service like C&W Technologies.
Remember, it’s important not to feel embarrassed or ashamed – online scams are common and can happen to anyone. Seeking help is the best course of action. Stay safe and protected with these tips and resources!
Q: What should I do if I accidentally install malware on my device?
A: If you accidentally install malware on your device, disconnect it from the internet immediately and run a full scan using trusted antivirus software. If the malware is not removed, seek assistance from a reputable tech support service like C&W Technologies.
Q: What are phishing emails and how can I recognize them?
A: Phishing emails are fraudulent messages that attempt to trick individuals into providing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. They often appear to be from legitimate sources, such as banks or companies, but they typically have urgent requests and may contain spelling errors or unfamiliar email addresses.
Q: How can I protect my financial information online?
A: To protect your financial information, be cautious about sharing sensitive details online and avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments in emails. Keep your devices and software updated to prevent vulnerabilities.
Q: What are some common scams that trick people into send money?
A: Some common scams that trick people into sending money include fake lottery or prize winnings, romance or dating scams, and emergency situations involving a loved one.
Q: What makes a strong password?
A: A strong password should be at least 12 characters long and include a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information like your name or birthdate, and do not reuse the same password for multiple accounts. Consider using a reliable password manager to help generate and store strong passwords.
