The golden rule to avoid scams is never to engage or provide information to cold callers, respond to unsolicited e-mail, unsolicited mail, text or anybody going door to door - whether it is a tradesman or salesman.
Remember noting is for free. You will never randomly win a prize, car or lottery without having entered it first. No ifs or buts - it is a SCAM!
If it sound too good to be true it probably is.
1. Computer support cold calling scam
A Company cold calls telling the ‘customer’ that their server has been receiving error reports (virus or some other strange error) from the ‘customer’s computer’ and that they want to repair the error.They will be very convincing and even arrogant.
If you follow their advice they will infect your computer with spyware, steal your bank details and waste your time.Inform them that you know they are running a scam and put down the phone! Be rude if necessary.
2. Fake antivirus scam
An official looking anti-virus message pops up on your computer telling you that you have many infected files or unresolved computer errors. You are requested to purchase a licence or pay a fee to get rid of the problems. While this message is on the screen you will not be able to do much on the computer. This message is generated by a malicious software program. If you purchase a license your card details and money will be stolen.
Even software can be a cold caller!If a message like this appears on your computer contact your local IT support immediately.
3. E-mail scam
You receive an e-mail or call from your bank, HMRC or another agency asking you to verify your personal details, login or password. 99% of the time this indicates a scam. Always assume that an e-mail might be fake or that it could be a criminal on the other end of the line. Never reply to an important looking e-mail or use the contact number provided by the caller, but rather look-up the contact details on the company's official website.
4. Fake banking website scam
When you try to log onto your bank’s website or another official website you get redirected to a fake version of the site that asks you to verify you personal details, card details, banking details and your username and password.
This fake site would look just like the real website and would fool most people. If in doubt phone the bank or institution whose website you are trying to use and ask them for advice.
No banking or official website will ever ask you to verify your details before you have logged on.
Never use a link from an email or website to go to your bank’s website or to an official website. Always type the URL yourself and verify that the URL is correct.
5. Metropolitan Police Virus & Ukash Scam (New Trojan)
The following message appears on your screen.
“Under the laws of the United Kingdom and investigation of Metropolitan Police Service and Strathclyde Police your computer is locked to prevent illegal activity in the network.”
You will be asked to pay an amount of money to have the computer unlocked. This message is generated by a malicious Trojan. If a message like this appears on your computer contact your local IT support immediately.
Give me a call if you need advice or help removing Malware, Trojan's, Adware, Spyware and Viruses.
Herman 07955 499467
info@theitvan.com
www.theitvan.com
