A really smart online scam took me to the brink of disaster.A web hosting company manages my own domain with my own email address (no offense to Outlook, but I just want email, not a million opportunities to do other stuff).Recently, for the first time, my email webhost suddenly and inexplicably went out of service.This was serious: I use it for personal and professional reasons.
After trying a few things and failing, I decided to use my subscription membership to a popular tech support company aligned with a big electronics company.They go online, take over my computer and fix whatever; Ive used them for years.This companys service has always been satisfactory but I didnt need to use it for some time.I opened up my datebook and called the number I had written down.And something seemed.odd.
In times past, the person at the number I would call would direct me to a specific website that was hosted by the electronics retailer.The connections were clear and the operators were crisp.But Wait.This time, the same number was answered by a heavily accented tech support person with a terrible phone connection, who said she was tech support and directed me to a different website.Oh well, I thought, maybe the company moved to a third party for tech support it happens.But when I entered the new website in Google, the searches it brought up seemed odd.especially because the search also brought up the retail companys real tech support arm.And it wasnt the one the agent was urging me to just sign on so we can solve your problem.I hung up and closed the screen, and for a second I broke into a cold sweat.THE LESSONI thought I knew about scams but this one was really insidious.
Bad actors took over a discarded phone number associated with a legitimate tech support company and masqueraded as the companys tech support.I had come this close to allowing them to take over my laptop.To confirm, I called the general number for the retailer.The technician told me they used to have that number, but now have a new one.
She directed me to the familiar URL and website and a technician with a clear, crisp connection took over my computer and updated it.While I had them on the phone, I updated all the numbers associated with that company.(And yes, they changed all of them.)Youd think theyd notify their subscribers of the phone number change!Thank goodness I was halfway skeptical and saved myself some real trouble but it was a close shave.I thought I was savvy to scams, but this one almost got me and in the most disastrous way possible.YOUR TURNDid you have a close shave with a scammer? What happened? Share your story and your warnings in the comments!And if you want a deep dive into online frauds, check out this online class on June 27!For tips and resources about online safety and scam prevention, visit Senior Planets new page at seniorplanet.org/scam-prevention.
If you or a loved one has been targeted by a scam or fraud, call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360.Virge Randall is Senior Planets Managing Editor.She is also a freelance culture reporter who seeks out hidden gems and unsung (or undersung) treasures for Straus Newspapers; her blog Dont Get Me Started puts a quirky new spin on Old School New York City.Send Open Thread suggestions to [email protected].
Publisher: Senior Planet ( Read More )
