Category: Reader Tips

March 21, 2026: Reader Tips

At the risk of having you all hate me, here’s an Alfred Hitchcat Tribute. Doubling down, here’s Indiana Jonesy

Bonus: This is a Tech PSA of sorts, which will hopefully help someone: Yesterday, I received a call from an elderly friend in Toronto. He had been trying to get his printer working with his Windows 10 laptop. I’m not sure how it happened, but a window popped up and someone appearing to be a female customer service agent asked him what was wrong. That lead to either he calling a number “she” gave him or them calling him. Anyhow, some guy named “Mark” offered to help my friend. Mark convinced him to go to some website, enter a code, which allowed Mark to get control of his laptop. Mark apparently ran some tests and told my friend that because there were too many people on the Internet in his area, that’s why he couldn’t print on his own printer. Of course, that’s nonsense. Then Mark asked for $150 payment. My friend immediately called me. I ended calling the number he was given, one supposedly in El Paso, Texas. Some sketchy guy with a thick Indian accent answered, asked me what my “good name” was, and I immediately realized (strongly suspected) that my friend had been scammed. My biggest concern is that “Mark” may have placed some spy software on the computer, which could now be monitoring every keyboard press and mouse click. I don’t have enough technical expertise to know whether McAfee AntiVirus or Windows Defender can prevent spy software from being installed if someone has direct access to your computer. So everyone, do not ever let any stranger have access to your computer or phone … unless you’re absolutely certain you can trust them. And do try to protect the elderly friends & family members in your life.

Your best news tips are always appreciated!

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