Greetings,
This month continued the rising trend for computing scams being a common question and concern. In this month's newsletter I detail the top 4 computing scams so you can lookout for them and not get scammed yourself. An important rule of thumb is to NEVER CLICK ON LINKS IN AN EMAIL THAT YOU ARE NOT EXPECTING AND NOT ABSOLUTELY SURE OF WHAT WEBSITE IT WILL TAKE YOU TO. Other topics covered this month:
- How to fix buffering and pausing problems when playing online video
- "Do Not Track" is nice feature for those concerned about 3rd-party web tracking, but it's not yet enforced
If you know someone that would benefit from the information in our newsletter, please forward it to a friend via the link at the bottom of this newsletter. If we help a friend or family member that you refer to us, you will receive $20 off your next service call. See details here. If you're not happy with our service, please let me know.
All articles from our newsletters spanning over 5 years can also be accessed on our exclusive website for Computer Techs clients www.CTreno.com/tips. Past newsletters can be accessed at www.CTreno.com/archive. Also you can view up-to-date information throughout the month on our Facebook page (be sure to "like" us if you are a Facebook member so that the articles appear in your news feed).
Thank you.
Mark Cobb Owner / Technician Computer Techs
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Top 4 computing scams to be aware of
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1. Fake email from legitimate companies. We have been receiving many reports recently of emails from legitimate companies with notices of order confirmations or cancellations. These emails are the latest method by spammers to spread spam and malware. A sample of the companies that are represented in the phony emails include Amazon.com, PayPal.com, Verizon Wireless, US Airways and USPS. Click here to read how to spot phony emails.
2. Tech support phone scams. Microsoft nor your Internet Service Provider (ISP) will call to tell you that your computer is infected, and that they need to remotely access your computer to fix it. It is a scam by crooks who are trying to access your computer and ask you for money to pay for a problem that didn't exist in the first place. Microsoft has information on their web site on how to avoid tech support phone scams.
3. Pop-ups from fake security programs aka "scareware". If you get a pop-up window from an unknown program telling you that there are multiple problems with your computer, immediately turn off or restart your computer and see if the program returns after your computer is back on. Do not try to close the window or click anything except for Start > Turn Off Computer. Other buttons that say "No", "Cancel" and even the red "X" in the upper right corner of the box are often used to trick you into downloading or installing a malicious program without your consent. Click here to read more about how to spot fake security programs.
4. Email account hacking with the intent to distribute spam or money requests to your contacts. We get a lot of calls where the person's account has been hacked. The hacker has sent spam email to their contacts, and often copies their contact list for the purpose of sending future emails and forging their name and email address. Others have had emails sent to their contacts asking for money because the are is distress in a foreign country while on vacation. After their account got hacked, people usually ask us how it happened. Typical methods that hackers are able to access email accounts include... Read more...
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How to fix buffering and pausing problems when playing online video
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If you experience buffering or pausing while playing online videos on websites such as YouTube, here are a few tips that can fix the problem..
FULL ARTICLE...
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"Do Not Track" is a nice feature for those concerned about 3rd-party web tracking - but it's not yet enforced
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According to DoNotTrack.Us "Do Not Track is a technology and policy proposal that enables users to opt out of tracking by websites they do not visit, including analytics services, advertising networks, and social platforms."
For example...
FULL ARTICLE...
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Cheap Unlicensed Computer Repair -
"You Get What You Pay For"
Do you have a friend or neighbor who "knows" computers - perhaps someone who just started fixing computers during their spare time? Do they actively keep-up with the computer industry while fixing computers on a daily basis like we do?
Computer Techs has been in business since 2003, and our technicians have over 20 years computer experience.
Our calls for service have leveled off in the past year-or-so due to an abundance of new inexperienced and unlicensed computer repair people. Similar to hiring an unlicensed contractor to work on your home, it may be cheaper to go with someone else in the short term. However, you can count on Computer Techs to get the job done quickly and correctly, and we'll be available the next time you need service. We are often called to finish repairing what someone else didn't fix correctly.
Thank you for recommending us
We appreciate referrals. If you're happy with our professionalism and expert service, please let others know: · If you recommend us to a friend or family member, as a way of saying "thank you" for referring us we will reward you with a discount on your next service call. For details please see the details of our $20 referral reward. · When people search the internet for computer repair, they often search Google, YellowPages.com or Yahoo Local. Please consider leaving a review of our service at one or more of the following web sites: Google Places Review
Thank you.
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