Something is wrong with your computer! Someone has called and told you they can help you out, you just have to download a program (like Teamviewer, LogMein, etc.), and the next thing you know they’re talking about subscription fees, protection plans, some even claim to already have your credit card information!

Criminals are getting smarter every day and their scams are more elaborate than ever before. Social engineering (a hacking method in which criminals earn your trust and trick you into handing over your sensitive information willingly) is becoming the most prominent method for these miscreants’ operations and it’s far more convincing than the old “African Prince” email scam.

Emails about a subscription that you don’t subscribe to should obviously be ignored, but what about those that claim to have charged you for something you didn’t buy and you need to call to have the charges reversed? Simply a scam to get you to call up and when you do get you to recite your credit card details for them. These are just a couple of examples.

What should you do if you think someone is trying to hack you?

1. NEVER allow anyone remote access (where they can control your computer from their location) to anyone you don’t know and trust.
2. Ignore their emails and scare tactics. Rest assured that these people are just bluffing when they say they have any information on you that you didn’t make public on the internet yourself.
3. Be careful where you browse on the internet. A common method of slipping spy/malware onto your computer is through notifications (see our blog post for more information.)
4. If you feel you’ve fallen victim to any of these degenrates’ schemes, turn off your computer (even if it is screaming at you not to) and bring it directly to Computer Dave. The experts at Computer Dave know how to handle 3rd party access, do so on a daily basis, and would be more than happy to help you too.

Remember, there is both good and evil on the internet. Err on the side of caution and stay safe and should anything happen Computer Dave has you covered!