February 2022 THE CHARBONNEAU VILLAGER 3
Are you worried about being scammed ?
Resident provides insight on identifying scams
BY JIM TEAGUE
Are you worried about being scammed ? Or do you think it might have already happened ? In July 2021 alone I worked with three Charbonneau residents who were victims of scammers , and I ’ m sure there are more of you out there . Here is some basic information about how to identify a potential scam , as well as practical guidance on what to do about it .
� “ Cold calls ” out of the blue , with the caller identifying themselves as tech support , often saying they are from Microsoft .
� Suspicious emails warning of unusual activity on one of your accounts .
� Pop-up warning screens on your PC , warning you of some serious issue and directing you to call a displayed phone number .
There ’ s no shame : scams are a huge problem , and the scammers are getting better at it every day and coming up with new angles . There ’ s more detail below on what should be universal red flags , and what to do about them . However , first let me emphasize that , above all , they need your cooperation . You are almost certainly not going to be scammed or infected with a virus unless you engage with them by either speaking with them on the phone , allowing them access to your computer , giving them a credit card , typing your password , or clicking a provided link in an email .
Here are the red flags :
� A “ cold call ” from someone who says they are from Microsoft / Google / Amazon , or even from the IRS or Social Security Administration . What to do : hang up immediately . You can block the number , but they often use rotating phone numbers . Regardless , never engage them . The main thing to remember is that none of these entities will ever call you on the phone . If they identify themselves as working for Microsoft , Google , Amazon , the IRS or the SSA , it is always a scam .
Suspicious emails
� An email that appears to be from a friend , asking for something unusual , such as Google Play gift cards or Amazon gift cards . What to do : delete the email — if you aren ’ t sure whether it is legitimate , simply call your friend to ask if they sent such an email . Scammers can “ fake ” email addresses , but sometimes your friend ’ s email has actually been hacked , and they are using their list of contacts to send out their request for money or gift cards ( which , once purchased , are essentially cash ).
� An email that appears to be from Apple or Amazon ( or , again , even the IRS or Social Security Administration ) that says there has been suspicious activity or charges on your account and provides a link to “ validate your account information .” What to do : NEVER EVER click on the provided link . Delete the email immediately . If it is from Amazon or Apple , simply go to your account and see for yourself it there has been any unusual activity .
� A pop-up screen on your computer that says you have a virus , or some other serious problem , and should call “ Microsoft ” at the displayed phone number . What to do : ignore it and dismiss the web page - if you can . Sometimes your screen is stuck on that page , and it ’ s difficult to change it . I can help with that , but there are many others who can help as well .
I ’ ll bet that you have seen at least one of these kinds of scams , and hopefully you ’ ve managed to avoid getting separated from your money . If you have questions or need help , don ’ t hesitate to contact me via email at jim @ teaguetech . com , or by phone at 425-246-8236 .
Jim Teague is a Charbonneau resident with over 30 years in the industry , most recently at Microsoft . He has a bachelor ’ s and master ’ s degree in Computer Science . His business , Teague Tech , has been helping folks with their technology challenges since he moved here from Seattle .
What can you learn about senior living at our upcoming event ?
A whole bunch . It ’ s casual . It ’ s easy . And you ’ re invited .
Lunch & Learn THURSDAY , FEB . 17 TH • 11:30AM Join us for an informative presentation on senior living and the exceptional services & safeguards offered at SpringRidge . Afterwards , take a tour and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our culinary team . Seating is limited . To RSVP , please call 503.925.4968 .
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