Page 22 - News On 7 January 2022

TECH TALK

Welcome to this month’s tech talk. Over the last month certain issues seam to keep popping up that are costing you the
consumer your hard earned $$$$$. Yesterday I had a computer arrive at the shop that had been taken over by a scammer that
suggested a brand-new computer was in need of their expertise. Yes, this was a brand-new computer that my client was
trying to setup for the first time. They were attempting to install an antivirus application and unfortunately clicked on a link
that led them to the infamous pop-up window that informed them the computer was at risk and to call a 1-800 number for
assistance. Yes, they made the call and shared their email address so this fraudulent company could email them a link to install
TeamViewer (software to allow them access to the computer). My client installed the software and gave this company access
to the computer. Keep in mind this is a BRAND-NEW computer. They were told it required repairing and were subsequently
billed for the so-called work. You would think this would be the end of it, not quite. With TeamViewer installed this meant
anytime the computer was on this company had access. Yes, they continued to watch everything my client was doing, this
included banking, on-line purchases and so on. This is very concerning, my client called me to discuss as they had stopped
using their new computer. The first thing I informed them to do was to contact their bank to put a freeze on all accounts and
credit cards as they were potentially compromised. Well, you would think the bank would act immediately, they did not. My
client was asked how did they know it was a fraudulent transaction and that they would have to first request a refund from
that company. Well, they did, they called the company and emailed them to request a return of those funds. This time there
was no-one answering the phone or responding to emails. The bank ultimately listened to the concerns and cancelled bank
cards, credit cards and launched an investigation.
This is more prominent this time of year so please be aware and NEVER call a 1-800 number or any number that pops up and
tells you your system is at risk. Close the pop-up window if you can or restart your computer ASAP. If you cannot do that push
and hold the power button to shut it down. When you turn your system back on those should be gone. If they are not bring
your system in right away for a cleanup. Stay safe and happing surfing.
You can find me @ Dr, Jim’s Computer Repair at 392 Front St in Downtown Belleville and on Facebook
Until next time.
Dr. Jim