Computing Doctor LLC

09/17/2025

Protect yourself—and your money—from these new scams
----------------------------------------------------
Protect yourself by staying informed about the latest scam tactics so you can keep your personal information and your money safe. Do you know how to spot these common scams?

Lawyer impersonation
-------------------
Scammers may pose as lawyers, often targeting vulnerable populations, to steal money or sensitive information. These scams can involve fraudulent representation in legal matters, or even impersonation of government officials.

Beware of urgency
-----------------
Legitimate lawyers or government officials won’t pressure you over the phone or via email for urgent payments or private info. You can always verify a lawyer’s identity and credentials by looking them up via the state bar association website.

Celebrity relationship scam
---------------------------
Scammers create fake online profiles pretending to be a celebrity looking for companionship. They usually reach out via social media to spark conversation and may use AI-generated audio and video calls to appear legitimate. These scammers then take advantage of the trusting relationship to request money, often in the form of peer-to- peer payments, gift cards or wire transfers.

Never send money to someone you’ve never met face to face.
----------------------------------------------------------
No legitimate celebrity will ask you for money—or gift cards—via your direct messages. Even verified accounts can be hacked, so stay cautious.

Business email compromise
--------------------------
Scammers will send an email pretending to be from a vendor requesting you to send money to a different account. The email looks genuine, but it could be from a fraudster who got access to your vendor’s network.

Pause before you pay.
---------------------
Always confirm payment or account changes with your contact through a verified telephone number or known channel.

While scams can take many different forms, staying vigilant with these tips could help:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tip 1: Verify all phone calls, texts and emails before sharing personal or financial information.

Tip 2: Beware of fraudulent investment opportunities—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Tip 3: Don’t be pressured to pay with gift cards.

If you’ve been impacted by a scam, learn how you can create a personal recovery plan with the Better Business Bureau Scam Survival Toolkit.

03/11/2025

Be aware of the latest scams and protect your money and personal information from potential scammers. Do you know how to spot these common scam tactics?

Compromised card scam

Scammers call claiming to be from your bank and say that your card has been compromised. They’ll attempt to send someone to your home to “secure” your account by destroying your card. Though they may seem to be legitimate, once they have possession of the card, they’ll use it to steal money from the account.

Rental property scam

Scammers advertise rental property that doesn’t exist or is already rented. These tactics include fake listings on legitimate platforms and the use of fake websites. An upfront payment is required, taking the potential renter’s money with no property in exchange.

Online shopping scam

Scammers deceive online shoppers by setting up fake websites or social media ads to offer eye-catching deals on popular items. They may impersonate a legitimate business or person but never deliver on the promised goods and services. Some websites may even use fake checkout processes, which can lead to buyers losing money or even becoming victims of identity theft.

Protect Yourself and Loved ones.

Verify phone calls
If you receive a call and aren’t sure if the company is legitimate or who you’re speaking with, hang up. Search for a verified number on the company website. If someone calls claiming to be from your bank and you feel uncomfortable, hang up and call the number on the back of your card before providing any personal or financial information.

Beware of urgency
Scammers notoriously apply pressure by saying your account is compromised, claiming they’ll cut off your services or threatening legal action. Take a pause and tell a trusted friend or family member about the situation before making any financial decisions.

Be cautious of upfront fees and guaranteed returns
If an opportunity seems too good to be true, it probably is. Look up reviews of the company to check its reputation and trustworthiness.

Don’t be pressured to pay with gift cards
Utility companies, banks, the IRS or any other government agency will never request payment in the form of a gift card. Don’t share the number on the back of the gift card with anyone you don’t know.

02/22/2025

Alert: Fraudsters are targeting investors over social media.

In a sophisticated scam, fraudsters are using social media and other channels to lure investors into “pump-and-dump” schemes. Their goal is to create a buying frenzy using false and misleading information that artificially inflates, or “pumps” up, the price of a stock. Once the price has surged, the fraudsters quickly “dump” their shares by selling them at the inflated value.

In these schemes, the stock eventually crashes, leaving unsuspecting investors who purchased at the higher price holding devalued shares—often leading to significant financial losses. We want to make sure you can recognize the signs so that you can protect yourself and your assets.

Here's how this pump-and-dump scheme works.

Fraudsters create fake social media profiles of celebrities, bank professionals, and other financial experts to gain credibility. They may also use social messaging apps like WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), and Telegram, as well as lower-tech methods like text messages and phone calls. The fraudsters then lure potential investors into private investment groups where they are pressured into investing in specific securities at set times to inflate the price of these securities.

Protect yourself by becoming familiar with the tactics and warning signs.

• Get-rich-quick offers. Professionals will never ask you to invest in specific stocks over social media or invite you to exclusive investor groups. If you receive unexpected messages urging you to invest in specific stocks through exclusive private groups, these are scams.

• Stock purchase manipulation. Fraudsters may try to guide you step by step, asking you to buy specific stocks and invest specific amounts. Never follow investment directions from someone you don’t personally know.

• Manipulative tactics and coaching. To avoid detection, fraudsters may manipulate you into initiating trades or transactions yourself. They may even provide scripts with instructions on what to say if questioned. If anyone tries to coach you into saying or doing specific things, it’s a red flag.

Keep your assets safe!
If you receive a suspicious direct message, call, or text, please call your bank and do not interact. We also recommend that you report any suspicious or fraudulent activity to the social media platform directly.

03/03/2024

Whether or not you are a fan of the show, we urge you to watch this episode and learn more about a new scam called Pig Butchering. It's not what comes to mind first, it's where scammers message you "innocently" and then "fatten" you up and go for the money. Please watch.

John Oliver discusses a massive new internet scam, West Virginia’s attempt to ban books in schools, and the Alabama Supreme Court’s decision that frozen embr...

03/01/2024

Can you spot a scam?

Debt consolidation scam
Scammers may pose as legitimate companies promising to help consolidate debts but instead exploit victims with deceptive practices. This could include receiving false promises or getting charged with excessive fees, ultimately worsening the person’s financial situation.
Always verify the legitimacy of the company. Check for reviews, complaints and ratings from reputable sources like consumer protection agencies and the BBB Scam Tracker. Also, be cautious of unsolicited calls and unrealistic promises.

Online shopping scam
Websites and social media ads can deceive consumers with eye-catching sales but fail to deliver the promised goods or deliver counterfeit products. This type of scam can also involve fake checkout processes, which can result in financial loss or identity theft for the buyer.
Beware of unrealistic deals that sound too good to be true, especially when found on lesser-known or new sites. Shop at reputable online retailers with a history of secure transactions, positive customer reviews and fair return policies.

Tech support scam
Pop-up messages, cold calls or emails are tactics used by scammers posing as legitimate tech support. Their goal is to deceive users into believing their computer has issues or has been hacked into, which can lead to victims providing control of their device and disclosing personal information.
Be cautious of unsolicited contact—if called unexpectedly, hang up and call the company directly on a verified phone number. Avoid clicking on suspicious messages and don’t grant remote access to your device.

Get tips on avoiding scams, fraud and much more with a free, self-paced online course made possible through KHAN ACADEMY®.
https://www.khanacademy.org/college-careers-more/financial-literacy/xa6995ea67a8e9fdd:scams-fraud

Also check out possible scams and to report scams with the BBB Scam Tracker!
https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker

04/25/2023

Keep yourself safe from new fraud scams

With the recent news about a few bank failures, many vendors are updating their banking information. Scammers are using this moment of change to take advantage of unsuspecting customers. By preying on common anxieties, fraudsters can trick you into sending money to a phony bank account or providing your personal banking information.

Remember to stay calm and be skeptical of banking update requests. By following these tips, you can keep yourself safe from potential scams:

-Don’t click on anything in an unsolicited email or text message asking you to update or verify account information.

-Never send funds to a merchant until you can confirm that the request to change a payment destination is legitimate, like a statement from them or a verified customer service phone number.

-Don’t rely only on caller ID to confirm someone’s identity, as scammers can compromise that too.

-Look up the company’s phone number through a legitimate source like a statement provided by the company, and don’t use the number a potential scammer is providing.

-Take your time. A legitimate banking associate will never pressure you to immediately make a decision. They’ll provide you with all the necessary information and specific time frames to make your decision.

-When in doubt, hang up the phone and call your banking service team directly. You may call them at the number listed on the back of your debit or credit card and bank statement.

Here are some additional resources to learn more about avoiding potential scams and fraud from Capital One:
Scam education
https://www.capitalone.com/digital/scam-education/

Help avoid falling victim to business email compromise (BEC)
https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/business-resources/understanding-bec-and-how-to-help-protect-against-it/

How to avoid and prevent different types of phishing
https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/privacy-security/how-to-avoid-phishing/

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) guidance
https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/alerts/2023/03/15/beware-bank-related-scams

09/27/2022

With scammers becoming more sophisticated, you’re the first line of defense for preventing scams. By recognizing these five common tactics, you can protect yourself and your money.

Compromising business email:
Scammers can impersonate a company official to request a change for your account by email or text. Don’t call the number provided in the message. Instead, find the company’s official number from a trusted source and validate that the request is legitimate.

Impersonating a banking or credit card associate:
Some scammers will pose as your bank or credit card company and use email, phone or text to request your personal information or to transfer money. When in doubt, ignore the message and call them at the number listed on the back of your debit card, credit card or bank statement.

Gaining remote access:
Scammers claiming to be from well-known companies can try to gain remote access to your personal devices. If an associate from one of these companies cold calls you claiming they can fix an unknown issue, ignore the call and contact the company directly. Be sure to use a phone number from a trusted source.

Faking job offers:
Job listings or offers could have a scammer behind them. During the hiring process, the scammer will ask you to link accounts to other banks and send money they promise to refund. Don’t be pressured with time-sensitive demands or high salaries. Instead, contact the business with a trusted phone number or email. You will never need to spend money for a job position.

Rushing cryptocurrency investments:
Scammers can pose as investors to sell you on a lucrative cryptocurrency opportunity. They’ll give you a short time limit to invest, but will keep the money you sent for themselves. If they’re represented by a company, contact them from a trusted source, like their company phone number.

Know of any other scams not listed above? Let us know in the comments!

09/08/2022

With peer-to-peer payments (P2P), you can transfer money to someone from your bank account, debit card, or credit card using a website or mobile app such as Zelle, Cash App, PayPal, or Venmo. P2P payments can also include your financial institution’s apps. While P2P payments are popular and convenient, understanding the risks can help you avoid becoming a victim of scams and fraud.

How do scams and fraud differ?
Fraud involves someone accessing your account without your permission and completing unauthorized transactions. A scam involves being tricked into authorizing a transaction or sending a payment. It’s important to remember the difference, as the same protections do not always apply to both.

Ways to protect yourself

Pay it safe: Since most P2P apps don’t allow you to cancel a transaction, treat payments like cash, and only send funds to those you know and trust.

Take your time: If someone is pushing you to act quickly with a P2P payment, it could be a red flag.

Use your security settings: Enable settings within the P2P applications, such as multifactor authentication (also known as two-factor authentication),

Let your financial institution help: Fraud alerts can automatically notify you of activity, and always contact your financial institution immediately if you suspect something is wrong.

Be aware of phishing: Fraudsters might try to access your account by posing as your financial institution or a P2P company. If someone calls you unexpectedly and claims to be from your financial institution, it is best to hang up and call your financial institution at the number printed on your statement rather than the number that called you.

Use unique passwords: Use different passwords for P2P apps and other sites, avoid sharing your passwords with others, and consider a password manager tool if you have trouble remembering passwords.

A common scam on Facebook Marketplace: You're selling something and someone contacts you and asks if it's still available and offer to buy it using a P2P company. This seems pretty normal, what's not normal is when said buyer claims they've sent the money after you've given them your email address that you use for your P2P and that you should have received an email, from the P2P. P2P WILL NOT EMAIL YOU. THEY DO NOT HAVE DIFFERENT TIERS. YOU WILL NEVER HAVE TO PAY TO GET YOUR MONEY. When you receive money via P2P it is your BANK that sends the email to you notifying you AND you should be able to open your bank app and see that money there. If not they are trying to scam you.

06/29/2022

Here’s what the latest scams look like:

Pay yourself
Scammers may contact you impersonating an established individual or company and tell you that they have noticed suspicious activity, such as money being sent from your account to another account. They’ll ask you to send money to yourself using your mobile banking app, or via an online wire transfer to “reverse” the payment.

Tip: An established individual or company will never ask you to do this. Before sending money to yourself at another bank or credit union, make sure the email address or U.S. mobile number you’re using to send the money has been enrolled by you at the other financial institution and is linked to your account.

Impersonating bank associates
Scammers will try to pose as an employee from your or a well known bank and ask you to provide your personal information or even transfer money by phone, text or email. They might also use a fake caller ID that could show up as the bank or request remote access to your device.

Tip: When in doubt, hang up the phone and call the number listed on the back of your debit or credit card. You can also call the number listed on your bank statements.

Utility scam
Scammers can pretend to be utility workers from electric companies or cell service providers to trick people into sending them money. Usually they’ll contact you and put you in a high-pressure situation, such as claiming your electric bill payment is late and your power will be turned off if you don’t send money immediately.

Tip: Utility providers won’t pressure you into making a last-second payment or paying through an online payment service. You’ll receive initial notices through letters or emails before the situation gets serious. They should also provide you options, like paying with a credit card or mailing a check. Call your utility provider directly before paying a bill over the phone.

Attempting to gain remote access to your devices
Scammers may call you pretending to be support specialists from well-known companies like Microsoft or Amazon. They’ll try to gain remote access claiming they can fix an issue with your account, process a refund or update your device. If you provide access either by clicking a link or downloading an app, you could expose your account information.

Tip: Support specialists will never cold call you. Even if it looks like a trustworthy number, never give access to someone who cold calls you or asks you to download an unknown app. If you need support, call the company directly with a reliable number.

Protect yourself and your family.
Remember, Zelle® does not offer a protection program for authorized payments—for example, if you buy an item with Zelle®, but you don’t receive it or it’s not what you expected. If this happens, you may not get your money back, so only use Zelle® and third-party payment apps to pay those you know and trust. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more and as these scam techniques evolve.

03/22/2022

Many of our customers use payment apps, like Zelle®, to send money to friends and family. With the rise of digital payments and third-party payment apps, there’s also an increasing number of scammers trying to take advantage. We want you to be empowered to spot the latest scams and know fraud when you see it. Protect yourself—and your money.

Here’s what the latest scams look like:


Impersonating a banking associate
Scammers will try to pose as your bank and ask you to provide your personal information or even transfer money by phone, text or email. They might also use a fake caller ID that could show up as your bank or request remote access to your device.
TIP: When in doubt, hang up the phone and call them at the number listed on the back of your debit or credit card.

Pay yourself
Scammers may contact you impersonating an established individual or company and tell you that they have noticed suspicious activity, such as money being sent from your account to another account. They’ll ask you to send the money to yourself with Zelle® to reverse the payment.
TIP: NO bank will never ask you to do this. Before sending money to yourself at another bank or credit union, make sure the email address or U.S. mobile number you’re using to send the money has been enrolled with Zelle® at the other financial institution and is linked to your account. If you do not remember creating a Zelle® account at your other bank, more in likely you did not.

Attempting to gain remote access to your devices
An unknown company or person will request remote access to your phone or computer. They may also ask you to download an app to fix an “issue,” which would allow them remote access and could expose your account information.
TIP: Be careful when giving device access to third parties.

Fake websites
Legitimate-looking websites are being created by scammers, and a quick Google search will lead you to a real-looking phone number. When you call, they’ll try to obtain your sign-in details or other information.
TIP: Always do the proper research before making a purchase online. NEVER click a link in an email if the email did not originate from your banking institution.

Protect yourself and your family.

Neither Zelle® nor your bank offers a protection program for authorized payments—for example, if you buy an item with Zelle®, but you don’t receive it or it’s not what you expected. If this happens, you may not get your money back, so only use Zelle® and third-party payment apps to pay those you know and trust.

12/12/2021

We have some of the best trained techs in the field!

09/15/2021

iPhone users update your phones!!

Apple, like other device makers, issues software updates all the time, but the latest one may be more critical than most.