The scam may start with a simple text or email message that initially seems directed to someone else, but responding to such messages can lead down a "rabbit hole" where most victims lose thousands of dollars. With worldwide communication at our fingertips these days, it's easy for scammers to target anyone - and it may start with a simple message saying "Hi". "Pig butchering" is a complex and evolving social scam that preys on victims through manipulative online relationships. Here's the details that you need to know so that you don't become a victim:

Microsoft has been aggressively coercing people to use their “Edge” browser by making it a recommended or default choice after Windows updates. Perhaps you’re used to using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox – and that’s OK. You can say “no” to Microsoft’s solicitations if you read and select carefully, and watch for dark patterns on their selection screens.

Here are several reasons why Microsoft wants people to use the Edge browser:

Even though we spread the word about scams every month in this newsletter, several times per month we are called to help people recover from a scam. Most scams are easy to detect if you SLOW DOWN and carefully read what the email or text message is saying. Bad grammar, misspellings, and bogus email addresses or phone numbers are in nearly all scams. Unfortunately scammers also still call and leave voicemail messages too.

Don't get ripped-off this holiday season and in the new year. Please take a few moments to review the scam information that we post on our website - a resource you should review any time you may be considering acting upon an unsolicited email, text message or phone call. Click the button below to visit our website, and bookmark/favorite it for future easy access.

Since 2003 clients regularly ask us for a way to keep their computers secure and up-to-date, and not have to worry about the seemingly constant barrage of updates. With websites getting hacked on a daily basis, and the increasing chance of your personal information being lost or compromised, it's more important than ever to keep your computer up-to-date and maintained.

With the Computer Techs Maintenance Plan, we will maintain, update and check the security on your computer on a convenient quarterly schedule. Service can be performed via a Remote Support session which takes about an hour. Services include:

If you're trying to save money on your telecom bill(s) - we can help! Should you "cut the cord" on your TV service? Can you save money on your internet, home phone and/or mobile phone services?

We can sit down with you, examine what you're paying now, and help you save money. We can go through the pros and cons of cutting (or adding) services based on your specific needs.

Watch our featured video showing a fake security pop-up telling you that your PC has been blocked, and to call the number presented for "Windows Support". As mentioned before, you should NEVER call a number that pops up on your screen. In the video we show you how to close out of these pop-ups whenever they occur.