Public Service Announcement - Scam Alert

Scam Warning:

Today I'd like to point the "finger of shame" at a specific scam site.    I'm going to provide a little technical information about them, as well as the specifics of how they are operating.  

There are a few very important things to keep in mind:

• Microsoft does not call users about viruses, computers being hacked, or errors on a computer.
• "Your bank" or "Your credit card company" will not phone you from a forged number, for any contact they make.
• Legitimate businesses will properly identify themselves through Caller ID (CID) information.
• Any caller that refuses to properly identify should be viewed as deceptive, and this is a violation of some federal laws.
• "Your bank" or "Your credit card" or PayPal, or any other financial institution will not contact you using a generic salutation (Dear ____ user, for instance).   
• Any offer to "launder money for profit" - or contact about a lottery or prize you do not remember entering - is a scam intended to separate you from your money.

There's a particular scam that I've pointed out before.   In this one an individual (often from India) will phone you to inform you that they are either from Microsoft, or that Microsoft has notified them to contact you.   Your computer is either communicating errors, or is not communicating properly, and they are there to help you fix this.

You are instructed to turn on your computer, RUN "eventvwr".  This is the Windows Event Viewer.   They will have you look for warnings and errors, and attempt to tell you that these are signs of viruses, or being hacked.   Their schtick will change periodically, as it's meaningless.   If they think you have no clue, than any lie will do.   They may even have you open the Services tab on MSCONFIG and try to scare you through showing you the stopped services there.

Not about what really goes on here.    Event Viewer shows events within the computer.   "warnings" and "errors" are normal.   They do not imply any malicious activity.  They do not indicate that your computer is being attacked (although if you're not careful, it soon will be).   

They may have you check a few other things to convince you that you're in trouble.   At this point, they may transfer your call to a "tech", "senior tech" or something else of that nature.  Essentially, you're being handed to another call center scammer to continue the script.   The goal here is to get you to grant them remote access to your computer.   This will be accomplished through a software package like Ammyy Admin or TeamViewer.   These are both credible businesses, that each have a statement on their site regarding this abuse of their service.   

If you give them access to your computer, one of several things may happen.   They may install a logging software to your computer, which will transmit information (including banking and passwords) to them.   They may intentionally damage or delete files and attempt to charge you to get them back.   They may charge you to p0ut on an "antivirus" program, which does nothing but enrich them.   They may go rifling through your files.   If you grant them administrative control they can even damage your computer's operating system by deleting specific files.   

My latest interactions have come from an outfit that is actually using "their own" website to initiate the scam.   Their site instructs you to download the Ammyy Admin application, and provide them with the information from it.  

The site they are presently using is "geekscare.com".   I'm not sure if that's supposed to be Geeks Care, or Geek Scare.   Regardless, here is some information about that site:

host geekscare.com
geekscare.com has address 118.139.175.1
geekscare.com mail is handled by 0 smtp.secureserver.net.
geekscare.com mail is handled by 10 mailstore1.secureserver.net.

 whois geekscare.com
.

   Domain Name: GEEKSCARE.COM
   Registrar: GODADDY.COM, LLC
   Whois Server: whois.godaddy.com
   Referral URL: http://registrar.godaddy.com
   Name Server: NS09.DOMAINCONTROL.COM
   Name Server: NS10.DOMAINCONTROL.COM
   Status: clientDeleteProhibited
   Status: clientRenewProhibited
   Status: clientTransferProhibited
   Status: clientUpdateProhibited
   Updated Date: 22-dec-2013
   Creation Date: 22-dec-2013
   Expiration Date: 22-dec-2014

 Registrars.
Domain Name: GEEKSCARE.COM
Registry Domain ID: 1840009049_DOMAIN_COM-VRSN
Registrar WHOIS Server: whois.godaddy.com
Registrar URL: http://www.godaddy.com
Update Date: 2013-12-22 00:49:40
Creation Date: 2013-12-22 00:49:40
Registrar Registration Expiration Date: 2014-12-22 00:49:40
Registrar: GoDaddy.com, LLC
Registrar IANA ID: 146
Registrar Abuse Contact Email: abuse@godaddy.com
Registrar Abuse Contact Phone: +1.480-624-2505
Domain Status: clientTransferProhibited
Domain Status: clientUpdateProhibited
Domain Status: clientRenewProhibited
Domain Status: clientDeleteProhibited
Registry Registrant ID:
Registrant Name: Ravi Mahato
Registrant Organization:
Registrant Street: Kanke Road
Registrant City: Ranchi
Registrant State/Province: Jharkhand
Registrant Postal Code: 834008
Registrant Country: India
Registrant Phone: 9031143738
Registrant Phone Ext:
Registrant Fax:
Registrant Fax Ext:
Registrant Email: ravishankarmahto@gmail.com
Registry Admin ID:
Admin Name: Ravi Mahato
Admin Organization:
Admin Street: Kanke Road
Admin City: Ranchi
Admin State/Province: Jharkhand
Admin Postal Code: 834008
Admin Country: India
Admin Phone: 9031143738
Admin Phone Ext:
Admin Fax:
Admin Fax Ext:
Admin Email: ravishankarmahto@gmail.com
Registry Tech ID:
Tech Name: Ravi Mahato
Tech Organization:
Tech Street: Kanke Road
Tech City: Ranchi
Tech State/Province: Jharkhand
Tech Postal Code: 834008
Tech Country: India
Tech Phone: 9031143738
Tech Phone Ext:
Tech Fax:
Tech Fax Ext:
Tech Email: ravishankarmahto@gmail.com
Name Server: NS09.DOMAINCONTROL.COM
Name Server: NS10.DOMAINCONTROL.COM
DNSSEC: unsigned

From their website, we can see a phone number (800) 903-1361.   This phone number is provisioned by Voce Communications (480-344-1340).   If contacted, these criminals will act like a legitimate business, however, they will quickly fall back into running the above scam.  

The above information is provided as a service message to the public in general.   The phone number will change, as soon as their provider decides they are abusing the service.   Their IP will likely change as their host finds out they're violating terms of service.   Their domain will also change as it gets cancelled.   Another of each will sprout up.    Ammyy Admin, Go Daddy, and Voce Communications are not responsible for the actions of the scammers.  The latter two have merely provided service to a paying customer - until that customer violates TOS.  The former is a free utility that is being exploited by criminals.   

Please don't fall for this scam.   If you' would like to have some fun at their expense, be advised that they are criminals, and they will harm your machine if you grant them access.    However, nothing stops people from having a bit of fun at their expense now and again until they get cut off.   


 

Skylance Computer Services: Spring Cleaning Specials

Spring Cleaning Specials

Spring is here, though there are still rumors of snow and cold in our future. Spring cleaning time is upon us, and it may be a good time to do the same for your computer. Read on to find our current offerings, as well as some information for XP users, and a few good tips.

Spring Cleaning: That time of year is upon us. Folks start going through attics, basements, garages, offices, etc and find things we were missing – or that we no longer want or need. Your computer is no different. Over time, as we use our computers, we add some clutter to them. This may come in the form of cached image files, downloaded files, programs running during startup – or even some unwanted programs. It's good to go through and clean these things up to keep your machine(s) running their best.

Our Spring Cleaning package starts with a free initial consultation. Is the computer having issues? If so, what are they, and what courses of action are available? Some warning signs to watch out for include, but are not limited to:

• Computer running slow
• Programs taking a long time to launch
• Browser homepage changed
• Extra toolbars on your browser
• Strange popups or notifications

Each case is different, and we'll give you the straight answer on what the problem is, how it can be fixed, and what you can expect upon completion.

The basic Spring Cleaning package starts at $40, and includes an internal dusting.

Spring Cleaning Add-ons:

Want more than just the basic cleanup?   We can make that happen too! Below are some some bonuses, along with two prices.  The first is the combination price, the second is the stand-alone price.

Spyware Scan & Removal: $15 ($20)*

There are many names used, sometimes depending on your perspective. Producers may consider it “helpful ad-ware”, while others may call it “spyware” due to the way it monitors your habits. Sometimes this software comes bundled with a “free”program you download, which may be installed unless you choose a “custom” installation, rather than “standard”. Sometimes this is added to your computer through a malicious exploit in a browser or add-on.

Some of these programs may actually be desired, but often times they are found to be a nuisance, and will use up your system resources. They are also known to track your browsing and shopping habits, and report this information to their parent company – which may also transmit this information to third parties for advertising purposes.

Want 'em gone? That can happen. We'll scan your PC, see if anything unwanted is there, and get rid of it.

* Cost of software may apply, in addition, based on customer preference 

Virus Scan & Removal: $15 ($20)*#

For our purposes here, "virus" will be defined as "any malicious code unintentionally installed, with undesirable results". Yes, there's a lot of types, a lot of distinctions, and they can do a lot of really bad stuff to your computer. We can make them go away. If you're running without security or anti-virus, we can help change that, as well. At the end, you'll have a virus-free PC, and know how to keep it that way.

* Cost of software may apply, in addition, based on customer preference

# Virus Removal may be required during Spring Cleaning if infections are detected

Data Sorting: $15/hr ($20/hr)

Sometimes you have important files in a bunch of locations throughout your PC. Want to get them all in one place? This may be the solution for you. The default is the appropriate folder within "My Documents", unless you have a different preference.

Data Backup: $40 ($50) **

"Don't put all your eggs in one basket" is a good moral. In the PC world, that can be applied. It's good to always have a backup. You never know when something may damage or destroy your had drive, and you don't want your important files to be lost. With the data backup service here, your "My Documents" (and any other specified files or folders) will be backed up to the medium of your choice.

** Media used for backup varies by customer, and may be Optical Disc (DVD), Flash Drive, Media Card, or external hard drive. Backup media may be provided by customer, or provided at an additional cost.

Fresh Start: 

At times it may be desired to “start new” with your computer. This may be a decision to start clean, it may be a “last resort” to get rid of a number of issues. It may also be a chance to start with a new operating system. With this package, your documents (and other selected files & folders) will be backed up. Your system will be reformatted with your operating system of choice installed. Your documents will be returned to the newly installed locations, and any programs of your choice will be installed.

The base price for this service is $100, which includes backup of files, installation of operating system, transfer of backed up data, and configuration of settings. There may be additional charges for installation and configuration of other software, copy(ies) of backed up data, and cost of software.

Improvements: 

Unfortunately, computers have a fairly short life expectancy. While they my still work fine for years, there is always something “better” coming out. It doesn't always make sense to buy a new machine every couple of months, or even every couple of years. Depending on the age of your machine, and your use thereof, a component upgrade may be just what you need to get a happier computing experience from your machine. Sometimes, even with a cleanup, an older machine will still have some performance issues. An increase in memory (RAM) may help it run more efficiently. You may also be able to add a new CPU (processor) to gain some speed. Perhaps a new graphics card could help your gamin. A new wireless card may give you some faster connection speeds. Each situation is unique, and we will work with you to find the specific solution for your situation – as well as realistic expectations upon completion.

The initial consultation for this is free, along with a clear estimate for parts, labor, and time

Digital Archiving:

Do you have old VHS tapes, still photos or records? Would you like to transfer any of these to digital format? We can convert your old home movies to DVD, or a digital format for you. We can also convert your old LP's to mp3 – or other format. We can also scan your photo albums into digital format.

The base price for this service is:

$10 for transfer of one two-hour movie, converted to DVD or digital format

$10 for one LP converted to mp3 or other digital format

$20 for one small photo album scanned in high resolution to media of customer's choice.

Bulk rates may be available depending on size of customer order.

At present we cannot do Betamax, 8mm, reel-to-reel, cassette or mini-cassette or other media, but we're working to change that!

Windows XP: End of Life:

In just a few days (April 8, 2014) Microsoft will officially end support for Windows XP. I know there are many who would wish that Windows Vista would have been shelved, and XP support continued, but such is not the case. Windows XP had a good life, addressing some of the problems with Millennium, offering several variations (Home, Professional, Media Center) and was available for both 32 and 64 bit systems. It also continued in popularity after the release of its successor Vista. Microsoft has this page regarding the upcoming end of support:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/xp/default.aspx

In short, on the 8^th, Microsoft will cease adding updates for Windows XP. This means there will be no further Service Packs, software updates, and security patches. While some may say that this is merely a way to sell more software, To a degree it is. Microsoft offers, through their site, options for upgrading your copy of XP to a newer, supported version. However, marketing and sales aside, newer software is better able to handle evolving technology.

For a more detailed explanation of what's going to happen, what it may mean to you, and what you can do, check out this article.

Helpful Tip:

Dust can be one of your computer's worst enemies. Dust can build up in desktops and notebooks. It can clog fans and vents, preventing airflow, and causing overheating. It can also help provide an environment great for static electricity to damage delicate internal components. One simple thing that you can do, is to periodically spray inside your case with a can of compressed air. These can be picked up for a fairly low cost at office supply stores, electronics stores, and retail superstores. On a PC (with the power off) you'll want to unscrew your side panel, and spray around the inside of the case to blow any dust out. The CPU fan and power supply fan (and any other fan) should be blown out to ensure good air flow. It may be a good idea to do this outdoors if possible. For a notebook, you'll want to blow out vents, but not disassemble your machine.

Windows XP: End of Life

Windows XP: End of Life:

In just a few days (April 8, 2014) Microsoft will officially end support for Windows XP. I know there are many who would wish that Windows Vista would have been shelved, and XP support continued, but such is not the case. Windows XP had a good life, addressing some of the problems with Millennium, offering several variations (Home, Professional, Media Center) and was available for both 32 and 64 bit systems. It also continued in popularity after the release of its successor Vista. Microsoft has this page regarding the upcoming end of support:http://www.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/xp/default.aspx

In short, on the 8^th, Microsoft will cease adding updates for Windows XP. This means there will be no further Service Packs, software updates, and security patches. While some may say that this is merely a way to sell more software, To a degree it is. Microsoft offers, through their site, options for upgrading your copy of XP to a newer, supported version. However, marketing and sales aside, newer software is better able to handle evolving technology.

What's Going To Happen?

What does this mean to you if you're an XP user? Much like Y2K and 2012, the world won't end for you on April 9^th. Your PC will continue to run the same as it did the day before (short of any catastrophic device failure). The biggest concern for you will be exploitation. “Bad guys” are still out there writing malicious code, and knowing that weaknesses discovered will no longer be fixed will embolden them to seek every opportunity to take advantage of them.

Another consideration is that there will no longer be “bug fixes”. Windows is a complex piece of software, that is a collaboration of many programmers, and massive amounts of code. Even within the default XP environment there are multiple programs, device drivers, utilities and more, Every now and again there's a “bug”, or unexpected response to a situation. Sometimes it will freeze or crash a program. Sometimes it will cause a Blue Screen and force a restart of your computer, Some of the updates that Windows offers are fixes to these reported bugs. Any bugs left after April 8 will no longer be fixed.

Should I Worry?

There's no need to panic, though. It's OK to be concerned, but don't hit the “panic button” just yet. While Microsoft will no longer be supporting XP, some third parties will continue to do so. If you choose to continue to use XP, the most important things you should keep in mind are protection, awareness of your activities, and support from your other software vendors.

What can I do with my XP Machine?

When we look at security, we're talking about protecting your computer. The easiest way to protect it is to keep it offline. I have one machine that has never met the Internet. If the computer is never exposed to threats, then you have nothing to worry about, short of component failure. So, if you have an XP machine that works well, and you use it as an offline word processor, photo editing computer, for playing older games, etc – you should have little problem with it after the 8^th.

If, however, you have an older machine that you use online, then you definitely want to take all the necessary steps to protect yourself. Before looking at software, you should be mindful of how you use your computer. Especially with running a no-longer-supported system, you need to be careful. There are a few simple “tricks” you can use. First “pay attention”. I know it sounds simple, but it's good advice to pay attention to where you're going, what links you follow, what email messages you open – and attachments as well, etc. While it's not perfect, only opening messages from people you know, only going to sites you trust, and not opening strange attachments can help reduce your risk. Another tip is to use a separate user account (within Windows) for your “normal use” than your Administrator account. If your Administrator account is compromised, the results can be costly (time, money, lost files, etc).

When you look at software, you want to make sure that it is still supported under Windows XP. This is especially true when working with an anti-virus or security suite. Over time, these will be harder to find. However, for now there will still be some that offer protection for older machines. Third party programs will update virus and vulnerability definitions, and may protect your computer from malicious code, but will not address vulnerabilities in the software itself.

Should I replace or upgrade?

Do you want to continue with your XP machine, but want to make sure you're “doing it right”? We can help you with that. If, on the other hand, you would like to upgrade, we're here for you as well. The first thing we'll do is evaluate your current equipment, as well as your wants and needs What does your computer have to do, and what would you ideally want it to do? These may be two different things. The most simple upgrade would be from XP to Vista (if your current hardware supports that). Other options include reformatting your machine with a fresh operating system, like Vista, 7 or 8 (as long as your hardware supports such).

Another option may be to purchase a new system. You can buy a new system (desktop or portable). You can get these from various retail shops. They'll be current, will offer warranty options, and, barring a defect, should have no problems running straight out of the box. An economical option may be to purchase one used or refurbished. With these, you'll have less warranty options – might be “as is” or “buyer beware” from an individual, but many companies that sell refurbs will put some kind of guarantee on it – it looks bad if they're known for selling lemons. The other way to go on this is to build (or have someone build) you a new PC. The advantage to this is that you get exactly what you want. If you want something other than the stock options , this may be the way to go. We can help you pick out the parts you want, and even put it together for you, install your software, and make sure you are comfortable in using it

I may want to try something new....

Here, I would like to add that Microsoft is not the only fish in the sea. Apple has the Mac OS. Generally, this is found on their computers and notebooks. These tend to come with a price tag that's a bit steeper than a comparable Windows-PC, and there tend to be fewer customization options. I don't want to knock their products. They make a solid product that works well from the box, have several support options, and a lot of fans who speak highly of their product. With their higher price, and a learning curve in changing operating systems, this may or may not be a viable option.

Google has entered the computer operating system market in recent years, as well. The Chromebook has been out for a couple years now. It uses Google's Chrome operating system, and presently there are a limited number of retail computers sold with that. The Chrome OS can, more easily, be deployed on a non-standard device. Early criticism of the Chromebook was that it required an Internet connection to run. More recent devices have addressed this, and offline work is now possible. Chromebooks have a sleek look, somewhat similar to the Macbooks. They do tend to come at a significantly lower price, though, with some found for under $200. Chromebooks have their advantages and disadvantages. There are several manufacturers, though limited configurations. They include some basic programs, and a 100GB cloud storage, and have access to an app store for customization.

Linux is another option available. Once more in the realms of hobbyists and “geeks”, some variants of Linux have taken to the mainstream. In fact, Dell has been selling Linux-based systems for years. There are many flavors to choose from, and some are actually quite simple – and safe – to use. Some advantages to Linux are the costs – the operating system, and most programs are free, and open-source; many components work with it; it is far more difficult to be affected by a virus; and it can be customized to your preferences. Drawbacks include a lack of support for some programs and games, and a learning curve for something different. The nice thing is that this can be installed on most computers – including older ones, and maybe be lighter on using the resources, allowing you to get more life out of older equipment.

An0other possibility to consider is the tablet route. The big players in this field are Microsoft (Surface), Apple (iPad), and Google (Android). Of these, Android offers perhaps the largest variety, Android tablets may start around $50 for entry line models, and go up to several hundred, depending on manufacturer, sale, and features. Microsoft and Apple have more firm price points, and limited selection.  Choosing one is a personal decision, and is based on your needs, wants, preferences, and budget. The economy-priced tablet may be a deal, but it may have shortcomings on upgradability, features, camera quality, memory, etc.

If you have questions, or need help deciding, then give us a call. We'd love to help you find the right thing for you to work with, and help you get it running just the way you want it.