Unexpected $70 Computer Charge?
Lately, some customers and other people have been calling us and asking what we are charging them $70 on their credit card. Was it some sort of computer repair? They're asking because they have an unexplained charge on their credit card for $70 that has the description "Computer Help" - they, quite reasonably, think it's something to do with us and give us a call. But, we don't do that...
We do not collect and keep credit card details to use later. Some companies do. What has happened to these poor people is that they have given out their credit card details to a website, and it has either been hacked or used by that business to load charges on their credit card. It's stealing. They have used the fairly generic term "computer help" to try to trick some people into not investigating and getting their money back. Even if only 10% of the transactions go through and don't get overturned, the criminals have made some quite a lot of money.
It's worth checking your credit card statement each month for each transaction.
The other important thing to do is to make sure your computer security is up-to-date. These are the important elements...
1. Antivirus - make sure you have a good one that isn't just showing off. The more your antivirus tells you how amazing it is and how much it's protecting you the more suspicious you should be of it. Good AV doesn't need to show of.
2. Windows update - keep them updated and do them when Windows asks you to.
3. Third party apps - check you have no dodgy 3rd party apps installed on your computer.e.g. MacKeeper, PC Cleanup, WinOptimizer
4. Passwords - don't ever save important passwords saved into your browser. Use your memory - or paper at least. If it's in your computer, a hacker can get it out!
If you're not sure, we can pop out and run through a security check. Just give us a call.