Computer Scam: Don’t Be Fooled Like Me

You are always susceptible to a computer scam, regardless of your industry or career. 

I’m in the horticulture industry because I prefer getting dirty with plants over being inside a comfortable office. At least, I prefer that most days. I regard computers and technology as a necessary evil. Unfortunately, running the other half of my business requires me to use them. In fact, I would guess just about every person on this planet nowadays is connected by some device. Even my one-year-old grandson uses a tablet designed for toddlers.

At the risk of looking extremely naïve and foolish, I must confess that, while online working on a design quote, I literally allowed hackers to obtain all my computer information. In all fairness, I’m not the only business owner to get hacked, as computer scammers are getting very clever. I’ve heard of big corporations, like Uber, and hospitals’ data held hostage by hackers, but I never figured they would bother with someone small like me. I mean, I’m not worth millions nor do I have lots of valuable information.

By the time I realized these hackers weren’t my software protection company, they had total control of my laptop, including every password and my banking information. When I refused to give them at least $300.00 per year to fix this problem, they blocked me from my own computer. Then I started to freak out, wondering if I had lost years of my business files, documents, and pictures forever.

Computer Scam

The computer scam I fell for is a pop-up blocker disguised as Microsoft (the scam could look like any legit tech company) claiming my device has been infected and the computer locked up. Thinking it was my protection software, I called the number on the blocker screen. The person on the other end spoke and acted like a legitimate technical support agent trying to help solve the issue.

After giving him access to fix the problem, he showed me a screen listing every single password I use. He then proceeded to scare me by explaining that not only my laptop, but also every single smart device I owned, such as cell phones, tablets, and TVs, have also been hacked and can be controlled as well. By the time he starts explaining the yearly protection fees starting at $300.00, I’m livid. Livid at myself for being so stupid and livid at them for being so devious and corrupt.

Protection

When I brought in my laptop for repair, I asked the tech about software protection. Almost everyone knows about the standard anti-virus program MacAfee, but it will only defend against unrecognized viruses and hackers. So, the software protection tech recommended a software that was new to me: Malware. The designers of Malware created the program to stop hackers’ ransomware that encrypts your files and holds you hostage; defend against computer bugs found in popular software programs; and protect you from fake or infected websites. The technician said this is the best defense software against hackers, but Malware is still not a guarantee, as hackers are getting better at bypassing these firewalls.

What happens if you do have the best software protection and still get an alarming infection pop-up screen that locks up your computer? First, don’t click on it or call the number like I did. This gives the computer scammers instant access to your system. According to the IT specialist, the best thing you can do is immediately shut off your computer, wait 30 seconds, and then restart. This will cut off the hackers access — at least for the time being.

The Fix

When I realized I had fallen prey to a computer scam, I immediately changed every password. I plan on changing my passwords regularly to prevent computer robots from figuring out my new passwords. Like people, robots take the least path of resistance. Hackers program robots to work on the easy passwords that hardly change and to disregard the passwords that do.

Although I could keep a constant eye on my bank accounts and credit cards for fraudulent activity, I didn’t want the continuous stress of worrying every day if money goes missing or someone charges a nice vacation on my credit card. I called my bank and had my accounts frozen until I could go there in person to reopen each one. At least when the bank put my account on hold, I could still have money going in – just not coming
out. Which is a great feature for me to keep if I could.

The last thing I did was call my internet provider to have them change the modem password. As the fake support tech warned and was verified by the real IT tech, once hackers have your modem password, they have access to all your devices connected such as phones, tablets, and TVs. I would never have though of changing that password, so I’m glad there are good people who know a lot more about technology then me!

What you can do

Here are 3 steps you can take to protect yourself and your business from computer scams.

1. Install software protection

If you haven’t done so already, install software that will defend your technology devices against hacking. Make sure you install software from a reputable provider, such as Norton or McAfee. If you have questions regarding software protection, call you computer company’s tech support line for assistance.

2. become informed

Educate yourself on computer scam trends. For instance, a growing problem is computer repair fraud — the same type of scam I experienced. In these scams, the hackers will pretend to be from a computer repair shop. They will send disguised popups or call you directly about a “problem” that doesn’t really exist. Their goal is to get remote access to your devices and demand money from you.

One of the best things you can do is learn about the various types of computer scams and how you can best protect yourself and your company against them.

3. Learn how to report scams

Many social media platforms have security sites or teams you can contact to report any account hacks, scams, and other cyber security threats. Talk with your banking provider about steps you should take in the event of being scammed. Educate your team on how to handle a scam. If you see something on your computer or online that might be a scam, report it using tools like the BBB Scam Tracker.

In the end, your goal is to be proactive, not reactive, when it comes to cyber security and computer scams.