• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
A1 Computer Repair

A1 Computer Repair

Computer Services

  • Computer Repair
    • Local Computer Repair
    • Laptop Repair
    • Slow Computer Repair
    • Online Computer Repair
    • Custom Computer Builders
    • Get a Repair Quote
    • Schedule a Computer or Laptop Repair
  • Our Services
    • Cell Phone Repair
    • Backup and Restore Services
    • Managed Services
    • Computer Repair Services
    • Malware Removal
    • Full System Tune-Up
    • Data Recovery Services
    • Cryptolocker Prevention
  • Support
    • Online Malware Removal
    • Create a Support Ticket
    • Remote Support Request
    • Schedule a Computer or Laptop Repair
    • Online Repair Quote
  • Pay Invoice
  • Contact Us
    • Contact A1 Now
    • Schedule a Computer or Laptop Repair
    • Customer Support
    • Remote Support Request
    • Get a Quote
  • Call (530) 903-8838
  • About Us

phishing scams

Free Software Isn’t Free and Installing It Can Cost You

January 22, 2015 by admin

Freeware isn’t actually free software, and we’re all paying for it now. We regularly tell our customers to be very careful when installing free software because it generally carries a hidden payload of crappy software with it.

Free Software Isn't Free

Most computer tune-ups we perform for our customers begin with the removal of a bunch of free, useless programs that are sapping the life out of our customer’s computers. In most cases they did not even install this pesky software, they installed something else that snuck the bad software into their computer as a hidden payload.

The folks over at http://www.howtogeek.com went to the leading software download sites and grabbed the top ten software recommendations and here is what happened when they installed it. Check out the results, you will be surprised. Do you and your computer a favor and stay clear of free software, when it comes to software, you really do get what you pay for.

Every Freeware Download Site is Serving You Crapware (Here’s the Proof)

Filed Under: Tech Support Blog Tagged With: free download, identity theft, PC Tips, phishing scams, Scum Ware, scumware, spyware, Tips, windows, windows tips

What is Phishing? Phishing and Identity Theft

November 23, 2013 by admin

Scammers and Hackers are Phishing For Your Identity

what is phishingWho hasn’t received an email directing them to visit a familiar website where they are being asked to update their personal information? The website needs you to verify or update your passwords, credit card numbers, social security number, or even your bank account number. You recognize the business name as one that you’ve conducted business with in the past. So, you click on the convenient “take me there” link and proceed to provide all the information they have requested. Unfortunately, you find out much later that the website is bogus. It was created with the sole intent to steal your personal information. You, my friend, have just been “phished”.

Phishing (pronounced as “fishing”) is defined as the act of sending an email to a recipient falsely claiming to have an established, legitimate business. The intent of the phisher is to scam the recipient into surrendering their private information, and ultimately steal your identity.

It is not as easy as you think to spot an email phishing for information. At first glance, the email may look like it is from a legitimate company. The “From” field of the e-mail may have the .com address of the company mentioned in the e-mail. The clickable link even appears to take you to the company’s website, when in fact, it is a fake website built to replicate the legitimate site.

Many of these people are professional criminals. They have spent a lot of time in creating emails that look authentic. Users need to review all emails requesting personal information carefully. When reviewing your email remember that the “From Field” can be easily changed by the sender. While it may look like it is coming from a .com you do business with, looks can be deceiving. Also keep in mind that the phisher will go all out in trying to make their email look as legitimate as possible. They will even copy logos or images from the official site to use in their emails. Finally, they like to include a clickable link that the recipient can follow to conveniently update their information.

A great way to check the legitimacy of the link is to point at the link with your mouse. Then, look in the bottom left hand screen of your computer. The actual website address to which you are being directed will show up for you to view. It is a very quick and easy way to check if you are being directed to a legitimate site.

Finally, follow the golden rule. Never, ever, click the links within the text of the e-mail, and always delete the e-mail immediately. Once you have deleted the e-mail, empty the trash box in your e-mail accounts as well. If you are truly concerned that you are missing an important notice regarding one of your accounts, then type the full URL address of the website into your browser. At least then you can be confident that you are, in fact, being directed to the true and legitimate website.

Filed Under: Tech Support Blog Tagged With: anti phishing, e-mail fraud, email, identity theft, phishing, phishing scams, spam

Primary Sidebar

Call Today: (530) 903-8838

(530) 903-8838

Find A1 on Social Media

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

a1 computer repair google reviews

yelp reviews

Copyright © 2025 A1 Computer Repair · Serving the Placerville area since 2014 - Website Design and Website Hosting by WebOvative

  • Get Quote
  • Customer Support
  • Computer Repair
  • Laptop Repair
  • Computer Services
  • Cell Phone Repair
  • Blog
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions