Beware Microsoft computer messages

A Coeur d’Alene reader called to warn us about a popup screen that came up on his computer. The popup appeared to come from Microsoft Windows support, warning that his computer may have a virus and to call the number on the screen.

Upon calling the number, the person who answered the phone claimed to be from AVC Cloud Care and requested access to our reader’s computer to determine the issue. Not knowing better, our reader provided the permissions for the caller to access his computer.

After taking control of the computer, the representative informed our reader that he had a Trojan virus on his computer. A Trojan, once activated, can enable cyber-criminals to spy on you, steal your sensitive data, and gain backdoor access to your system.

At this point, the representative informed our reader that for a one-time payment of $1,300 he could install an anti-virus software on his computer for life and clean up the computer. Our reader wasn’t interested so the representative told him that a five-year subscription would be $799 or a one year subscription would be $299. Our reader didn’t want to pay for any subscription so hung up the phone.

Unfortunately, when he tried to log back into his computer two days later he was locked out.

Remember, do not allow anyone you don't know access your computer.

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If your child's ID is stolen

Kids are prime targets for identity thieves because they have no credit histories and also because no one is checking to see if credit has been taken out in the child’s name. This allows crooks to take advantage of the situation.

Often the theft isn't discovered until the child grows up and tries to apply for a student loan or rent an apartment. But sometimes a letter comes in the mail, addressed to your child from the IRS or a debt collector, informing you that money is owed. Correspondence like this might deserve some attention.

According to a Javelin Strategy & Research report, 1 million children were victims of identity theft in 2017 alone. Parents should be concerned about child identity theft because it has cost parents about $540 million in out-of-pocket expenses to clear up the accounts.

Now that more kids are interacting online with Zoom classes and social media due to the pandemic, children are more vulnerable than ever to identity theft. Scammers can take advantage of kids' trusting nature because kids could unwittingly click on questionable links that could jeopardize them or the family computer. Once hackers gain access to the family computer, they can retrieve other sensitive information.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, all a scammer needs is a child’s Social Security number to open a bank account, credit card account, apply for loans, open utility accounts or rent an apartment.

There are several things you can do to help make sure your child’s identity doesn’t get compromised.

1. Make sure there's an anti-virus software program that blocks malware, viruses, and ransomeware on the computer.
2. Keep your child’s Social Security number a secret.
3. Use online parental controls and teach kids online safety protocols.
4. Conduct a manual search of your child’s credit file. You'll likely need to provide proof of identity.
5. Once you know your child’s credit report is clear, consider putting a child credit freeze on their account. This freeze is effective until the child is of age to use credit and restricts access to your child’s credit file, making it harder for identity thieves to attempt to use it.

If you do discover fraud, report it directly to the companies involved and to the credit bureaus as well, explaining your child is a minor who was never even authorized to incur such debt.

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Fake emails about canceled services, packages

Many readers are calling or emailing to let me know there's been an exponential increase in the number of emails they're receiving telling them their services such as Netflix have been canceled or packages that they supposedly ordered will not be delivered unless they click on a link to verify their address.

All these are phishing scams designed to get personal information. Also, readers have confirmed that in several instances they don’t even have the service they're told is canceled so then they know it’s a scam. Best to just delete these emails and don’t even bother to respond.

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Social Security raise for 2021

The Social Security Administration announced that beneficiaries will see a 1.3% cost-of-living adjustment in January.

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Remember: I’m on your side.

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If you've encountered a consumer issue that you have questions about or think our readers should know about, please send me an email at terridickersonadvocate@gmail.com or call me at 208-274-4458. As The CDA Press Consumer Gal, I’m here to help. I’m a copywriter working with businesses on marketing strategy, a columnist, a veterans advocate and a consumer advocate living in Coeur d’Alene.