Page 12 - August 2023 News On 7

Dr. Jim's Computer Repair
Jim Sanders TECH TALK

Welcome to tech talk. As time goes by this is still a very real problem and people are still falling victim to scams like this as well as the direct
phone calls. The POP-UP window that instructs you to contact Microsoft. The below image was recently taken from a customer’s
computer. Microsoft will never flash a phone number on your screen or ever call you. Be aware all they want is your money, some are now
requesting Amazon gift cards or money transfers through Canada Post. These transactions are almost impossible to reverse so please don’t
get caught by them
This is not real this is a scam in which they want you to call
the number. From there they will ask you to allow them to
log on to your computer and data mine (harvest personal
information). Worse yet they will tell you it is going to cost
you X amount of $$$ to fix your computer. DO NO DO NOT
EVER CALL THESE NUMBERS. The best thing you can do if
you can is close all the screens and if needed restart your
computer immediately. If you are locked out of your
computer and or you still end up with pop up screens you
should have your system cleaned and make sure all access
is gone.
While my customer did call the number, he hung up when he could not understand the person on the other end. I have
heard many horror stories and dollar amounts in excess of $20,000. If you find yourself in this position and you have given
credit card information, contact the financial institution immediately and tell them you suspect a charge that may be
fraudulent in nature. They will help you protect your money.
Until next time.
Dr. Jim