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News
Articles and Tips
Beware of Computer and Phone Scams
CBRI is often on service calls to customers that have fallen victim to a computer scam. The scammers use scare tactics by way of popup warning that states your computer has been locked because of a virus. The pop-up warning displays a support phone number urging you to call immediately, designed to panic you into calling these criminals that masquerade as tech support. If you call, scammers try to trick you into downloading software that allows these criminals remote access – in theory to scan your computer for any virus - when in fact they install malware on your computer. This malware appears as a virus scan of your computer, and even produces a false report to show “x” amount of virus infections. NOW, they have your attention and want you to pay $199 and up to clean your computer and protect you from future threats. The problem is they do not provide legitimate support or protection. They want your money. IF you have downloaded their software that gives them remote access to your computer, they can lock you out of your computer via their malware. If one of these scam warnings appears in your browser, do NOT call the listed number under any circumstances. It may be difficult or impossible to close a scam popup window. Or, if you can close it, it may reappear. Also, you may not be able to shut down your computer normally. If this happens, you can terminate the processes associated with your browser by taking the following steps: 1. If you have a wired internet connection, you can immediately unplug your internet cable. 2. Shut your computer down. Hold down the power button on the computer for a count of 20 until the computer shuts down. Leave the computer off for 10-15 minutes. Turn the computer back on and the popup scam window should be gone. Also, beware of phone call tech support scams. Remember that software companies like Microsoft or Norton Symantec will never call you about a virus infection. These legitimate companies that sell you software are not personally monitoring your computer for problems. At Creative Business Resources, we are here to answer questions. If you ever see anything questionable, or receive a questionable call, remember a phone call to us is free. We are always happy to help. Call CBRI at 386-362-7595.What to Do with Automated Calls
Since being inundated with automated calls to our CBRI Systems business landline, we’ve researched unwanted Google calls, as well as automated calls from anyone. The resources cited: Google Safety Center, and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Consumer Information. Both Google and FTC resources say to hang up on these automated calls, or “robocalls”. These calls are often hard to avoid, because internet-powered phone systems have made it cheap and easy for scammers to make illegal calls from anywhere in the world, and to hide from law enforcement by displaying fake caller ID information. Even attempts to block calls don’t prove real effective, as the scammers change their number and caller ID information easily and often. Here’s What to Do: Hang up. If you receive an unwanted robocall from a recorded voice claiming to be Google or working with Google, hang up immediately. Do not press any key even if the voice recording prompts you to in order to speak with a live person or to be taken off the call list. Pressing a key may mean you will receive more unwanted calls. Prevent unwanted calls by registering with the National Do Not Call (DNC) Registry. Report suspicious calls. Both Google and FTC have online form submission to report unwanted calls. As always, at CBRI Systems we are available for questions. We do our best to help our customers and all consumers avoid fraud and scams.
Customer Feedback
What do our customers say?
“I'm always grateful for the time and attention you guys give to us. I've told Dan before, the computers we have gotten from you are the best we've ever had. I love my computers sooooo much! I might not know how to repair computers, but I certainly have a lot of experience working with computers, and the ones you guys have built for us are awesome.” -Julie, Live Oak, FL “Awesome service and highly affordable. Would and do recommend them every time!” -Regina, Live Oak, FL "Thank you for your patience, your kindness and your thoughtfulness! You have a way of making people feel comfortable (even when we don't know anything about computers). You help us regardless, and continue smiling. Thanks for being you." -Liz, Live Oak, FL "Thank you so very much for getting my computer straightened out. I really am grateful. Everyone I meet - first question "Do you have a computer?" Next statement "When it goes on the blink go see Dan at Creative Business Resources, Inc." Nancy, Lake City, FLWhat Does the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Say
About Robocalls?
What's the Reason for the Spike in Robocalls? Technology is the answer. Companies are using autodialers that can send out thousands of phone calls every minute for an incredibly low cost. The companies that use this technology don't bother to screen for numbers on the national Do Not Call Registry. If a company doesn't care about obeying the law, you can be sure they're trying to scam you. What Should You Do If You Get a Robocall? Hang up the phone. Don't press 1 to speak to a live operator and don't press any other number to get your number off the list. If you respond by pressing any number, it will probably just lead to more robocalls. Consider contacting your phone provider and asking them to block the number, and whether they charge for that service. Remember that telemarketers change Caller ID information easily and often, so it might not be worth paying a fee to block a number that will change. Report your experience to the FTC online or by calling 1-888-382- 1222.What Does the Google Say About Robocalls?
Robocall scams are automated phone calls using recorded messages that may ask you to press a button to speak to a sales rep. Google doesn’t make these calls, so if it's not a real person right from the start (and you didn’t request an automated call from us), it's not Google. Unfortunately, there are many unscrupulous individuals and companies who make these calls, even though they are breaking the law. Sometimes, robocalls falsely claim to be working “with Google” or “for Google” in an attempt to sell different schemes and online marketing services to unsuspecting individuals and companies. These types of robocalls calls are illegal under U.S. law (unless you have given permission to receive them), and Google is never behind them. Visit Google Safety Center for more details.
©2000 - 2021 CBRI Creative Business Resources, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
News
Articles and Tips
Beware of Computer and Phone Scams
CBRI is often on service calls to customers that have fallen victim to a computer scam. The scammers use scare tactics by way of popup warning that states your computer has been locked because of a virus. The pop-up warning displays a support phone number urging you to call immediately, designed to panic you into calling these criminals that masquerade as tech support. If you call, scammers try to trick you into downloading software that allows these criminals remote access – in theory to scan your computer for any virus - when in fact they install malware on your computer. This malware appears as a virus scan of your computer, and even produces a false report to show “x” amount of virus infections. NOW, they have your attention and want you to pay $199 and up to clean your computer and protect you from future threats. The problem is they do not provide legitimate support or protection. They want your money. IF you have downloaded their software that gives them remote access to your computer, they can lock you out of your computer via their malware. If one of these scam warnings appears in your browser, do NOT call the listed number under any circumstances. It may be difficult or impossible to close a scam popup window. Or, if you can close it, it may reappear. Also, you may not be able to shut down your computer normally. If this happens, you can terminate the processes associated with your browser by taking the following steps: 1. If you have a wired internet connection, you can immediately unplug your internet cable. 2. Shut your computer down. Hold down the power button on the computer for a count of 20 until the computer shuts down. Leave the computer off for 10-15 minutes. Turn the computer back on and the popup scam window should be gone. Also, beware of phone call tech support scams. Remember that software companies like Microsoft or Norton Symantec will never call you about a virus infection. These legitimate companies that sell you software are not personally monitoring your computer for problems. At Creative Business Resources, we are here to answer questions. If you ever see anything questionable, or receive a questionable call, remember a phone call to us is free. We are always happy to help. Call CBRI at 386-362-7595.What to Do with Automated Calls
Since being inundated with automated calls to our CBRI Systems business landline, we’ve researched unwanted Google calls, as well as automated calls from anyone. The resources cited: Google Safety Center, and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Consumer Information. Both Google and FTC resources say to hang up on these automated calls, or “robocalls”. These calls are often hard to avoid, because internet-powered phone systems have made it cheap and easy for scammers to make illegal calls from anywhere in the world, and to hide from law enforcement by displaying fake caller ID information. Even attempts to block calls don’t prove real effective, as the scammers change their number and caller ID information easily and often. Here’s What to Do: Hang up. If you receive an unwanted robocall from a recorded voice claiming to be Google or working with Google, hang up immediately. Do not press any key even if the voice recording prompts you to in order to speak with a live person or to be taken off the call list. Pressing a key may mean you will receive more unwanted calls. Prevent unwanted calls by registering with the National Do Not Call (DNC) Registry. Report suspicious calls. Both Google and FTC have online form submission to report unwanted calls. As always, at CBRI Systems we are available for questions. We do our best to help our customers and all consumers avoid fraud and scams.
Customer Feedback
What do our customers say?
“I'm always grateful for the time and attention you guys give to us. I've told Dan before, the computers we have gotten from you are the best we've ever had. I love my computers sooooo much! I might not know how to repair computers, but I certainly have a lot of experience working with computers, and the ones you guys have built for us are awesome.” -Julie, Live Oak, FL “Awesome service and highly affordable. Would and do recommend them every time!” -Regina, Live Oak, FL "Thank you for your patience, your kindness and your thoughtfulness! You have a way of making people feel comfortable (even when we don't know anything about computers). You help us regardless, and continue smiling. Thanks for being you." -Liz, Live Oak, FL "Thank you so very much for getting my computer straightened out. I really am grateful. Everyone I meet - first question "Do you have a computer?" Next statement "When it goes on the blink go see Dan at Creative Business Resources, Inc." Nancy, Lake City, FLWhat Does the Federal Trade Commission
(FTC) Say About Robocalls?
What's the Reason for the Spike in Robocalls? Technology is the answer. Companies are using autodialers that can send out thousands of phone calls every minute for an incredibly low cost. The companies that use this technology don't bother to screen for numbers on the national Do Not Call Registry. If a company doesn't care about obeying the law, you can be sure they're trying to scam you. What Should You Do If You Get a Robocall? Hang up the phone. Don't press 1 to speak to a live operator and don't press any other number to get your number off the list. If you respond by pressing any number, it will probably just lead to more robocalls. Consider contacting your phone provider and asking them to block the number, and whether they charge for that service. Remember that telemarketers change Caller ID information easily and often, so it might not be worth paying a fee to block a number that will change. Report your experience to the FTC online or by calling 1-888-382-1222.What Does the Google Say About Robocalls?
Robocall scams are automated phone calls using recorded messages that may ask you to press a button to speak to a sales rep. Google doesn’t make these calls, so if it's not a real person right from the start (and you didn’t request an automated call from us), it's not Google. Unfortunately, there are many unscrupulous individuals and companies who make these calls, even though they are breaking the law. Sometimes, robocalls falsely claim to be working “with Google” or “for Google” in an attempt to sell different schemes and online marketing services to unsuspecting individuals and companies. These types of robocalls calls are illegal under U.S. law (unless you have given permission to receive them), and Google is never behind them. Visit Google Safety Center for more details.
