I swear they are reproducing like rats.
While browsing at my computer, pop-up messages, and error warnings suddenly flashed on the screen. I couldn’t dismiss them. My browser then went into a full-screen mode, showing a blue screen.
A Windows activation page immediately led me to think the world was coming to an end, warning me that I had been invaded by all kinds of intruders, and that my computer would soon shut down. Permanently. Everything was frozen.
But, hallelujah, a tech support number popped up, promising to straighten me out! The site looked exactly like a Microsoft support network, and gave me the assurance that all would soon be better.
I sighed. “I have picked up a giant virus! How did this happen?” It scared me because all of my documents and important files are stored in this computer.
Soon, the voice from cyberspace picked up my call. The accent and the unmistakable, obvious bad grammar of the “tech” soon gave me even more forebodings. But, since many American companies use techs and salespeople from India, I thought, “well, let’s at least listen to what he has to say!”
Lesson one, College Scam Class 1a. instructs; HANG UP if this happens to you.
Yes, and without giving you every gory detail of my experience, I do admit that I was scammed.
The scammers are everywhere, and they are smart. They are dishonest, desperate for your money, and obviously aware of the stupidity on the other end of the line. That’s us. So beware. These Indian scammers are the wolves, and we are the sheep!
In this case, the “Microsoft technician” (NOT) with his bad grammar, heavy accent, and style, gave it away that he was not operating with all his cards on the table. But, I listened. And I told him I didn’t believe him. I argued with him, I engaged him, I did everything wrong. I needed to hang up. I was his fish, and he almost had me on his line.
The guy argued with me. He warned me that I was in a very serious position. At one point I hung up and he called me back, advising me to hang on, and he would fix the problem. “Trust me,” he added.
Out of self doubt and fear, I gave him access to my computer. He moved his little arrow all around my system while he brainwashed my “then very mushy thinking.” And yes, finally, I paid the fee for this wonderful “Microsoft” service that would keep my computer tuned and free of any bugs for two years. SUUUUUCCCCKERRRR!
Louise, a friend of mine, got bamboozled lately but her story was different. It cost her big time. She somehow got talked into buying gift cards, and giving the card numbers to these very persuasive jerks in payment for their special services! This gal is a smart chick, so don’t think you are not vulnerable too. My confession gave her some comfort, I hope.
After realizing my faux pas, I unhooked the computer and headed out for the place where I go. I asked the tech, “Marvin,” at Bauer Computers this question. “Do customers come here for help telling you that they have been scammed?”
He replied with a smile, “All the time. At least one every day.”
Marvin knows all too well what is going on. And he can deal with them.
If this happens to you, go to the official web pages that the scammer is impersonating, and call the company. Whether Microsoft or whomever, these reputable companies do not do business this way. The scammers are pretty foxy; these foreign-accented crooks with broken English. And their pages look legitimate, but are totally bona-fide fakes!
If you get locked up and you are trapped in a frozen, non-functioning screen, here’s how to fix it.
Press CTRL+SHIFT+ESC. Select your browser (Internet explorer, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox), And last, Choose “END TASK.” Don’t restore pages upon reopening.
We need to stay informed, and stop responding to these shysters.
If you think you are smarter than they are, or if you think you can win their verbal exchange, forget it. Most of us are novices. We are too trusting. We are naïve.
Let the Marvins sort it out.
My instruction to me? Hang up.

Judi Tabler lives in Pawnee County and is a guest columnist for the Great Bend Tribune. She can be reached at bluegrasses@gmail.com. Visit her website juditabler.com.