The Computer Guy

08/06/2025

Hi Everyone, I need to bring your attention to the scams I've been seeing over the last few years. I'm often asked to go check/clean a computer after the victim has been ripped off (hundreds of thousands of dollars in some cases).

The scam always seems to go like this:

- The victim is called on their landline (a great reason to finally ditch the landline if you've been thinking about it)

- The scammer claims to be from a familiar bank, or phone company, power company etc.

- The scammer says they can see something is wrong with the customers account or payment details and they want to help them fix it.

- The scammer advises the customer to go to a website and run a program (literally one or two clicks).

- The program they've told the customer to run gives the scammer full remote control of the computer. It's legitimate remote access/support software (kinda like Teamviewer or Anydesk). Because it's legit software, no antivirus or antispyware software will notice it. There is no way to "protect" the computer against this.

- The scammer is then able to log in to any sites where the victim has their login details saved, and they will even ask for passwords or verification checks if required (mothers maiden name, place of birth etc).

- The scammer then proceeds to transfer money out of the customers account, usually careful to stick to smaller amounts so as to not trigger alarm bells with the bank

PLEASE share this info, tell your friends and family. The poor victims always tell me "I never thought I'd fall for one of these scams but they were so convincing!" - They really have perfected the scam, and are doing so much damage.

As always, if in doubt - CALL ME :)

Gene - 021 919456

Honest and reliable PC service and sales.

20/08/2024

From big graphics powerhouse to tiny little office workhorse

28/05/2024

If the pup can’t sort it, give me a call 😎

Gene - 021 919456

25/04/2024

Still relying on computers with hard drives? They’re slow and unreliable - give me a call about swapping them out for solid state drives BEFORE they fall over 😬

Gene - 021919456

03/03/2024

Will the madness ever end?! 😂

Friends don't let friends buy HP printers, pass it on!

HP launches the All-In Plan, charging up to $36 per month for a limited number of printed pages, plus potential overage and cancellation fees.

18/12/2023

Don't forget to book me in for your yearly motherboard scrub!

But seriously, no, don't do this 😬

I'll be around town for most of the holiday break if you need anything sorted urgently, probably best to txt rather than call.

Hope you all have a happy, safe, and relaxing Christmas and New Year!

Gene - 021 919456

Honest and reliable PC service and sales.

16/08/2023

Struggling to work out what your sick computer / network is trying to tell you? That makes two of us! 😄

But seriously, get in touch if your IT gear isn't cooperating, the solution's often pretty simple, and can make your work day a whole lot more productive!

Gene - 021 919456

Honest and reliable PC service and sales.

14/06/2023

Ta Daaa!!

25/10/2021

Just thought I’d say hello with a wee assurance for my fantastic customers at this very odd (concerning) time…

My business will never (ever) require any information about a customer’s private health details. What you do or don’t put in your body is absolutely none of my business and never will be 😊

Hope you all had a great long weekend!

Gene

05/08/2021

SCAM ALERT!

I've had another encounter with a nasty Cryptolocker virus/scammer this week, with an awesome longtime customer of mine.

This computer system/server was compromised via RDP (remote access software built into Windows). It was then infected/encrypted by the scammer, locking up all of their files (including the external drive backups), and left with a note on screen "Email me at ***, send me some bitcoin and I'll unlock your files"

Windows RDP is a real security risk these days. I had advised the customer they needed to close it down long ago but their main job/invoice software package provider still insisted on using it. Frustrating!

Luckily we had up-to-date cloud backups of everything important, and they're back up and running, with only a day or so downtime.

Get in touch if you're worried about important data stored on your computer system(s), how to protect it simply, and how to make sure this kind of thing doesn't happen to you or your business!

Down with the scammers!! 😠

Honest and reliable PC service and sales.

14/06/2021

Looks like a pretty big Spark internet outage affecting many in Rotorua this afternoon peeps - wouldn’t be surprised if it takes them a while to sort it.

Early knock-off, am I right!?! 😁

24/03/2020

Hi Rotorua! I hope everyone's doing alright in these trying times.

Just a quick note to let you know I'm definitely still answering the phone and will be trying my best to sort any computing/networking issues over the phone and via remote access where possible. I will still do some call-outs, if required, for any businesses that are essential services.

All the best for the difficult weeks and months ahead. Stay safe, stay isolated, be kind, buy local. We're all in this together!

Gene