2 minute read
Moon Valley Tattler October 2022
M&T Solutions Tech Tip of the Month
BY MIKE ORTIZ
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With the invention and evolution of the Internet, our world has never been smaller in terms of communication and interaction world wide. You can compare the Internet to a major city or even a country due to its size. Just like any major city, the criminal element is present and waiting to rob or scam its
next victim.
Internet crime is on the rise in the form of tech support scams. Microsoft Windows is a major target for tech support scammers hoping to cash in on unknowing end users. Scammers will initiate contact with fake error messages on websites you visit (either valid or fake), links in emails, or fake invoices for a service you don’t subscribe to (ex. McAfee/Norton Antivirus).
These messages will normally state that your computer is infected and to call the number listed on the message. These error messages may also include some audio instructing you to do something. If you receive a message similar to this, DO NOT call the number.
Microsoft or any major tech company will not ask you to call them directly and will not notify you if you are infected with a virus. If ever in doubt, shutdown your computer and call M&T Solutions as soon as possible, so we can clean out any malicious software and verify your system is clean and safe to use.
Tips To Stay Safe 1. Always verify websites you are visiting directly or from Google or Bing.
Fake websites can look exactly like the real ones, so be careful.
2. Verify email senders and links in emails. DO NOT open any links from unknown senders or send any money for fake or suspicious invoices.
3. When in doubt, verify directly with your bank if you receive any emails stating they charged your account. Once verified, delete the email. DO NOT respond to the emails.
4. Make sure you have Antivirus and Malware software installed (in the browser too) to protect you from malicious attacks like these.
