Have you ever been hit by an online scam?

My bank asks me to use Rapport, but I’ve not noticed any performance issues on my PC.

What I have noticed it that my ISP seems to be doing a good job on shielding me from dodgy emails, think I’ve only had 1 in the last year and I don’t think it was a scam one either, but I don’t know that for sure as I deleted without opening it.

I’ve also have noticed is the number of ads that appear on facebook that are clearly scams has shot up. Just type Tesco in the search bar and I can almost 100% guarantee that 3 out of the top 8 listed are scams sites(pages). The real Tesco has finally got a verified symbol ( not sure if it was one of my messages suggesting they did that that resulted in them getting it ).

Some people seem to get on better than others with Rapport, but the effect on performance is well documented. I think I will use an older laptop (with up-to-date software) and Rapport to do my banking and online shopping, and avoid having Rapport on the laptop I use regularly.

Are you sure that was a legit customer service rep? It sounds suspiciously like some of the “tech support” scams.

Yes, I used spamcop for ages as well, but actually most of the big providers now have decent filters. No filter is 100% effective, though, which is why it’s really important to learn the telltale signs and check twice before putting any personal information into any site.

Eileen , you have partly answered your own question , if at present they have no access to your bank account then they do not know your banking details. Your right you email account has been hacked . First things first , straight onto your email service and change your password , but you have a problem , your email service has no virus control , you can keep it for social business and get a more secure one . Any decent service would recognize a virus laden email attachment , if it doesn’t its a rubbish service . Second NEVER click on any email link/attachment unless you are 100 % sure its a genuine one -investigate the URL . Once a hacker knows your email service is compromised they all get to know , if you click on the attachment you are allowing malware to enter your computer –and take it over -watching your keystrokes and blocking your access to files or even your virus system. Thirdly get a paid for virus control that blocks malware of this type, that scans all incoming packets etc. Dont delay , if you need any help get back-please.

I. like many I’m sure, have had occasional emails like this with an attachment, usually pdf, purporting to be an invoice, or a link. I presume they are just the usual random emails like the other junk I get. The answer is, if you don’t know for sure who the email is from, delete it. Never click on a link or attachment unless you are 100% certain of the sender and that their email address (in the “from:” header) is genuine. Best to play safe.

If you are not sure whether it is relevant to you, find the actual email address of the company (not the one on their email, find it independently on the web) and ask them if they have contacted you, or phone them.

Eileen, if you’re using FF you should type

about:config

in the address bar. Search for

network.IDN_show_punycode

and set it to

True

That will safeguard you from a nasty scam that could cause you problems. Otherwise, with the cases you’ve quoted, simply follow Malcolm and Duncan’s advice.