October 2022 THE CHARBONNEAU VILLAGER 9
Tech Corner
By JIM TEAGUE
How to identify and avoid online scams
NOTE : Jim Teague ( a 12-year Microsoft veteran and Charbonneau resident ) will be giving a presentation on this topic at 6 p . m . Oct . 11 in the Lewis and Clark room in the new
TEAGUE Activity Center . Come learn about how to deal with these scams and bring your questions .
Are you worried about being scammed ? Or do you think it might have already happened ? In July 2021 alone I worked with three Charbonneau people who were victims of scammers , and I ’ m sure there are more of you out there . In this article , I wanted to provide some basic information about how to identify a potential scam , as well as practical guidance on what to do about it . Here are the most common scams , with more information on each below :
� “ 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
� Emails from a friend (?) asking for a favor , such as a purchasing a gift certificate
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 - you will never get your money back ).
� 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 if 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 webpage - 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 ’ m sure 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 is a Charbonneau resident with over 30 years in the technology industry , most recently at Microsoft , and has a master ’ s degree in Computer Science . His business , TeagueTech , has been helping folks with their technology challenges since he moved here from Seattle .