Spam Phone Calls

Those annoying phone calls regarding your "compromised" computer once again seem to be on the increase.   I regularly remind people about this type of spam/phishing phone call but when it actually happens to them they become concerned, or even worse, do what the phone call asks them to do.

Yesterday a concerned friend forwarded me a voicemail warning her that her "personal information might possibly have been compromised and to "Press 1" to speak with the security team now."  Even though you've heard it before and we know about these techniques, when it happens to you it can be unsettling.  Remember this - creating fear is one of the main techniques a spammer/hacker will use to get you to share some of your confidential information.  Another is a "sense of urgency": "you need to do this NOW"

So a friendly reminder in today's Tech Tip:  If your phone (either landline or smartphone) displays a number you do not recognize, just let it ring.  Do not answer. Period.  If the call is legitimate, a voicemail will be left and you can immediately return the call.

Hope you can find some time today to leave your phone inside and go outdoors to enjoy this beautiful almost-spring weather (despite the wind).  :-)