Talk about a computer rip-off! I’m going to relate to you how a major company ripped off one of my computer customers. It happened just last week. But first:

Let’s Set The Scene

If you’ve been reading this blog for some time or you’ve been our customer for awhile, you should be familiar with scam pop-ups. (If you have no idea what I’m talking about, click HERE or watch my video HERE.) This past Friday, one of my customers got a pop-up page alerting them that their computer was locked. The page told them to NOT shut off their computer but, instead, call the toll free number. (Social Engineering at its best.) The customer called me, instead. However, it was after hours and her call went to voice mail. Before we could call her back, in a panic, she called another company. If I told you the company’s name, you would know them immediately.

What The Company Should Have Done

When my customer called this company, they should have told her it was a scam. Then, they should have told her to hold down the start button for 10 seconds and wait 15 minutes. Finally, they should have informed her that the warning would be gone when she restarted her computer.

The Computer Rip-Off

Instead of doing what they should have done, they convinced her to let them onto her machine. They told her they would “fix” the problem. They then charged her over $200.

What I Told Her

Once I got to talk to her, I explained that this large well-known company had ripped her off. I strongly urged her to call her credit card company and protest the charge. From her reaction, I doubt that she is going to follow my advice. Regardless, this large company totally scammed her. She really wasn’t any better off than if she had called the toll-free number on the pop-up.

We Speak English Not Geek

If you never noticed, that our motto. “We Speak English Not Geek.” If you’re wondering which major company ripped off my customer, here’s a hint: our motto is not their motto.

Once Again – A Reminder

For the millionth time: Microsoft, Apple, Google and Amazon will NEVER cause a scam window to appear. These companies will NEVER ask you to call a number or click on a link. Additionally, they will never call you on the phone out of the blue. Please stop falling for these scams!