If you’re looking to buy Microsoft Office software, you can expect to rent it for $70 or $100/yr, or you can buy it outright for $150, $250, or $440, depending on the version you need. Those are the direct-from-Microsoft prices. But if you search the web for better pricing, you’ll very quickly meet up with … Read more
Remote-control scammers are dreadful. They get inside your head and your computer, and do whatever it takes to get into your bank accounts. I really hope you can avoid being tricked by these awful people. But in case you find yourself in a jackpot with these jokers, I need to tell you about one of … Read more
The internet is a hotbed for crime, Facebook especially so. It’s simply too big to police. But since we can’t give up using the internet or Facebook, our other options are to prepare, learn and adapt. I encourage you to maintain a rampant skepticism as you use the web. Come with me and consider the … Read more
Here’s a scam that you should know about, but not because it’s particularly dangerous. It’s just weird. But once you know the details about brushing scams, they won’t creep you out, and you can quickly move on from them. Surprise‽ When an unexpected item arrives at your doorstep, it may be part of a brushing … Read more
A couple of years ago, I blogged about Fake Flash Drives, and now I have to write a refresh article: You also need to watch out for Fake Hard Drives and Fake Solid State Drives. Please make sure you don’t buy these things! Good & Bad Examples First, some examples of legitimate, reliable storage drives: … Read more
For anyone involved in SNAP or receiving EBT funds, please be aware of the following scam: This is a text message that did NOT come from the government or any legitimate entity. It is the beginning of a scheme to steal your EBT funds. If you receive this text, do NOT call the number. Do … Read more
I’ve seen plenty of Paypal-related scams, but this one is the slickest I’ve encountered to date. Pay attention and don’t be fooled if The Hybrid Paypal Scam shows up on your doorstep: The Scam Arrives You’ll see this scam arrive either in your inbox as an email, or in your Paypal account as a transaction … Read more
Consider and beware this data breach phishing email: The sender’s address and bad grammar should give it away. But it is still pretty convincing, and closely resembles other real Google email messages. Do NOT call the number. You must NOT reply to the email. Do NOT click the links. If you receive this data breach … Read more
You should know about Accidental Payment Scams that can occur through instant money-sending apps, like Venmo, Cash App and Zelle. What the Scam Looks Like It starts with an unexpected payment from an unknown person. Your Venmo may pop up and say any number of off-the-wall things: Next, you’ll get a follow-up email or text: … Read more
The Microsoft 365 Renewal Scam is yet another phishing operation, based on a renewal or subscription you never agreed to: This email is 100% fiction and fake. There is no purchase or charge. This didn’t come from Microsoft. If you get this message: How to tell it’s a phishing scam? Well, not all are easy … Read more