We've been hearing about various computer scams recently. These are some of the scams, and some tips to pick up on them yourself.
* It's a scam if - you get a call out of the blue from "Microsoft" or another software provider, stating that your computer has reported an issue and if you give them your credit card, they can resolve it.
While Windows does send reports to Microsoft, Microsoft does not have people ringing up and helping out. If you get one of these calls, do not give them any details or let them talk you through anything on your computer. If you are having problems call your local computer technician to take a look at the computer.
* It's a scam if - You get Emails claiming you've won the lottery, they need help with a money transfer, or similar issue.
Its not true, you can't win a lottery you didn't enter. They just want your money. There is no money at the end of the transfer waiting. Move the email to the trash.
* It's a scam if - You get Emails from ebay, paypal, banks etc
asking you to verify your information.
Moving your mouse over any URL/link in an email or in the browser will put the link that is going to be visited in the bottom of the browser window "status" area. You can then see if a link supposedly to paypal will really take you to paypal, without clicking on it. Remember, people can duplicate the look and feel of an entire website quite easily, so you can't trust what you click on. Once on a website, you can also check the "Address" bar at the top of the browser.
* It's a scam if - It sounds to good to be true!
While Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware and Anti-spam software can help reduce these things coming through, the bad guys are always thinking up new ways to get around those, so it's a good idea to think about things before clicking.