02/04/2025
Are you tired of all the scammers? Some ideas to help you win against scammers and save your money.
Computer Consulting Services, Inc.
24X7 IT & Network Services
Office 757-874-4995
Every day in Hampton Roads thousands of people get scammed out of their hard-earned money. Scammers call your phone, send fake web popups to your computer with fake warnings and even send you scam letters. They of course also still knock on your front door. All scammers share one objective and that is to steal your money and personal information. I offer these ideas to help you win against scammers and save your money.
Scammers use 3 steps to steal your money and information.
Step 1. They make contact with you.
• They may knock on your door
• Call you on the phone
• Send you a letter
• Send you an email
• Put a popup on your computer screen
Step 2. They tell you a false story.
• They say they are with your bank
• They say they are with Amazon.
• They say they are with your utility company
• They say they are with law enforcement
• They say they are with Medicare
Step 3. They convince you to give them your information and money.
• You give them your credit or debit card number
• You give them your banking account information
• You give them access to your computer
• You give them your Medicare or Social Security Number
Scamming Sources
Scamming Sources Part 1. The Phone Call.
It might be a call and the caller says they are with Medicare and need your Medicare number. Don't do it.
It might be a call and the caller says they are " with your TV service" and want to update your signal and offer you a discount if you pay over the phone. Don't do it.
It might be a call and the caller says they are from your power or other utility company and will disconnect your service unless you pay your bill right now over the phone. Don't do it.
It might be a call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft and they want you to allow them on your computer. Don't do it.
It might be a call and the caller says you missed a court date and you will be arrested if you don't pay a fine over the phone right now. Don't do it.
It might be a call from someone claiming to be from Amazon and they say you have fraud on your account. They may say if you made a recent large purchase. They are not Amazon so don't do it.
It might be a call from a bank claiming you account has fraud. They may ask for your bank account information. Don't do it.
In summary, on any phone call from a scammer their objective is to steal your money RIGHT NOW. Their primary way they steal your money is by getting you to provide your checking or credit card information. Simply do not and hang up the phone. Better yet, after you hang up call your bank or utility directly if you believe there is an issue with your account. Make sure the number you call is one known to you or on your billing statement.
Scamming Sources Part 2. The Computer
The computer popup warning. You may get a pop up on your screen with flashing colors and even a voice that says you need to call the number displayed on your screen. It might even look like Microsoft or some other well-known company like Norton is requesting you call their number on display. You might not be able to close this window. DO NOT CALL THE NUMBER displayed. It is definitely 100% a scam. The scammer wants you to call and allow them on your computer. They want to get your banking information or have you pay them a fee for computer repair.
The email scam. Same as above with phone calls and computer pop ups, scammers like to trick you on your PC. It might be a SCAM EMAIL from your bank, Amazon or even from someone you know. It may be hard to tell if the email is legit or not, but you may be able to look closely at the sender’s actual email address. If you are not 100% sure DO NOT REPLY to the email. If the email is from a friend, then just call them and ask. The same goes for your bank. The objective of all these scams is to steal your money and information. Be smart and use good judgement. Do not feel pressured, you can always say no and check out the source by checking with the companies directly. If you read this post too late and you let a scammer on your PC or gave out your account information then you need to make sure your accounts are safe. Call your bank and make a report right away. Do not delay. In addition, you may also contact my company, Computer Consulting Services, CCS.
CCS offers free advice and can help you if you believe your computer has been compromised. We have been faithfully serving Hampton Roads for 28 years. We provide telephone, remote, onsite and in-shop support. We are located at 728 Thimble Shoals Blvd, Suite E in Newport News Virginia. We would be happy to help you stay safe from scammers. We also provide business IT support and install networks, cameras and servers. Our number is 757-874-4995.
Deano McGalliard
Computer Consulting Services, Inc.
24X7 IT & Network Services
DCJS ID #: 11-16742
www.ccs-systems.com
Office 757-874-4995
Our mission is to provide courteous and affordable IT services to our business and residential client
