Scam Alert – Fake Antivirus Phone Scam Is Stealing Money And Identities

May 16th, 2013 | No Comments | Posted in Computer Protection / Security, jamadots in the loop enewsletter content, Notices, Password Genie, Random Tips, SecureIT Plus, Your Money


Scam AlertMany online scams start with an email but you also need to be cautious when the phone rings. There have been an increased number of reports recently of phone scammers claiming to be from Microsoft, or an antivirus company, or some random tech support facility. These callers will claim their systems have detected viruses and/or malware on your computer and they can help you with a lifetime of guaranteed support for just a one-time payment of $100 or so.

The process typically goes like this:

  1. The scammers first want you to download a remote access service and grant them access to your PC.
  2. Next the scammers want you to buy and install antivirus software that’s usually counterfeit or just a trial version that leaves you with non-functioning, useless protection. They may also recommend the latest Windows operating system, which is also likely to be counterfeit.
  3. Because the scammers were given unfettered access to your PC through the remote access service, they may install a backdoor Trojan — a malicious application that enables them to steal your passwords, use your system and Internet connection to send spam, and more.

If you receive a call from someone saying your PC has been compromised, just hang up the phone. Reputable companies will not make unsolicited calls about the health of your computer.

Microsoft recommends these do’s and don’ts to help prevent becoming a victim:

DO

  • Be suspicious of unsolicited calls related to a security problem, even if the caller claims to represent a respected company.
  • Use up-to-date versions of operating system and application software.
  • Make sure security updates are installed regularly.
  • Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
  • Make sure your firewall is turned on and that antivirus software is installed and up to date.

DON’T

  • Provide personal information, such as credit card or bank details, to an unsolicited caller.
  • Go to a website, type anything into a computer, install software, or follow any other instruction from someone who calls out of the blue.
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HCI Subsidiary Companies Involved in Nationwide Joint Call Completion Test Project

May 18th, 2012 | No Comments | Posted in FCC, jamadots News, Notices, Technology, Telephone Services, Your Money

HCI subsidiary companies (HTC, OCTC, CCTC, MTC) were pleased to have been involved with the nationwide testing of telephone lines to determine the severity and extent of disconnected/never-connected calls associated with an issue known as Least Cost Routing. Click HERE to be taken to an update we posted in April about the nationwide call completion issue known as Least Cost Routing. You can also learn how you can report the issue if  you feel your calls are being affected.

More resources:

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Press Release

 

OPASTCO, Fellow Rural Telecom Associations Announce Call Completion Test Project Results

 

OPASTCO, the National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA), the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA) and the Western Telecommunications Alliance (WTA) today released the findings of a joint call completion test project determining the frequency with which calls to rural areas are being terminated successfully.

 

05-17-12 Joint Release Call Completion Project Findings

 

The project found that call failure rates to rural areas were 13 times more than those to urban and suburban areas.  An estimated one-third of rural test calls experienced completion problems on more than 20 percent of incoming calls.  More than 7,400 test calls were made between April 9 and April 13 to 115 rural and non-rural test lines in 40 states.

“The data illustrate what rural carriers already know,” said OPASTCO President John Rose.  “The rural call completion problem remains largely unabated, and it appears this will remain the case until firm enforcement action is taken against those who perpetuate it by design or negligence.”

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FCC’s Rural Call Completion Task Force to hold first workshop

October 17th, 2011 | No Comments | Posted in Notices, Telephone Services, Your Money

FCC to tackle rural phone problems

 

By Gautham Nagesh - 10/17/11 05:35 AM ET

The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) new Rural Call Completion Task Force will hold its first workshop to address the growing problem of delays and failures for rural phone customers on Tuesday.

The commission said last month that rural carriers reported a 2,000 percent increase in complaints between April 2010 and March regarding incoming calls that are delayed, never completed, of poor quality or lacking in caller ID information.

The commission said the problem appears to be focused in rural areas where long-distance carriers must pay charges to local phone companies to complete calls. The FCC also will vote on comprehensive reform of the intercarrier compensation system that sets those rates, along with Universal Service Fund reform at its next open meeting on Oct. 27.

The workshop is essentially divided into two panel discussions. The first will look at the possible causes of the disruptions and the resulting effects on customers. The second will discuss possible solutions such as greater information sharing among carriers, or regulatory measures. Verizon, AT&T Services, Sprint and the National Telecommunications and Cable Association will all take part in the workshop.

The workshop is only part of a busy week for FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, who on Monday will join CTIA-The Wireless Association and Consumers Union to unveil new consumer guidelines for wireless customers at the Brookings Institution.

No details are available on the announcement, but the FCC has previously targeted wireless firms for cramming, the practice of including mystery fees in consumers’ monthly phone bills.

Brookings will also host a forum in the afternoon on wireless broadband and economic growth where experts will discuss how to leverage broadband access to spur economic growth.

Panelists include Information Technology Industry Council President Dean Garfield, Economic Policy Institute research and policy director John Irons and Georgetown University Professor of economics, business and public policy John Mayo.

On Tuesday, the Media Institute is holding its black-tie gala at the Fairmont Hotel, where the heavy hitters of the telecom policy world will mix discussions of spectrum and USF reform with cocktails and hor d’oeuvres.

Scheduled speakers include Republican FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell, Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson.

Also on Tuesday, Verisign, the company that manages .com and .net Web registrations, will hold a lunch event at the Newseum to discuss improving the Internet’s global infrastructure.

Several new pieces of research will be released at the event, the company says.

The event will feature a keynote discussion by author Chris Anderson and panel discussions featuring Steve Crocker, the newly appointed chairman of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and former Rep. Rick Boucher (D-Va.), who served as chairman of the Energy and Commerce’s Communications and Technology subcommittee.

Source: The Hill

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Most Web Users Say Internet Better Value than Cable TV

January 13th, 2011 | No Comments | Posted in Your Money

The FINANCIAL — Regular Internet users nationwide overwhelmingly agree that the Internet provides more bang for their buck than cable television.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 72% of adults who go online at least once a week say the Internet is a better value for the dollar than cable TV. Just 10% say cable TV is the better value, while another 18% are undecided.

Though a majority of all Adult Internet users believe the Internet is a better value, younger adults feel much more strongly than their elders.

These results perhaps aren’t too surprising given that most Internet users routinely go online to answer questions and give high marks to search engines such as Google, Yahoo and Bing.

Still, cable news and the Internet draw roughly the same number of Americans when it comes to weather reporting.

Those who use the Internet the most often – every day or nearly every day – feel even more strongly that it is a better value than cable.

Just 21% of voters think the Federal Communications Commission should regulate the Internet like it does radio and television. Most voters worry that regulation would be used to push a political agenda.

Last January, more voters said cable news was their primary source for political news than the Internet.

But one-in-five voters now regularly get news and political updates on their phones or other portable electronic devices.

Seventy percent (70%) of adults worry, however, that Americans have become too dependent on electronic devices like computers and calculators.

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Proverbial Wallets: Wallets that Metamorphose Depending on Your Financial Situation

December 14th, 2010 | No Comments | Posted in Your Money

Financial experts often counsel you to check your balance online every day. It’s a simple way to connect you more closely with your financial situation, instead of being in the dark until the day you go to the ATM and find your account nearly empty.

Proverbial Wallets, a new project from the MIT Media Lab, offers a more innovative way to check your balance daily. The Bluetooth equipped wallets physically transform depending on your current financial situation: The Bumblebee buzzes every time your bank account updates. The Peacock inflates or deflates depending on your total assets. The Mother Bear (pictured) has a hinge that makes it harder to open if you are approaching monthly budgets.

Says the project’s developers:
“The Proverbial Wallet gives us that financial sense at the point of purchase by un-abstracting virtual assets. Tactile feedback reflecting our personal balances and transactions helps us develop a subconscious financial sense that guides responsible decisions. In addition to providing a visceral connection to our virtual money, tactile output keeps personal information private and ambient.”

The wallets are currently a prototype, but will hopefully actually be available soon. Here is a video of them in action:


Proverbial Wallets from John Kestner on Vimeo.


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Debt Consolidation

March 11th, 2010 | No Comments | Posted in Your Money

If you have a lot of debt, you’re not alone. Today, more and more Americans are burdened with credit card and loan payments. So whether you are trying to improve your money management, having difficulty making ends meet, want to lower your monthly loan payments, or just can’t seem to keep up with all of your credit card bills, you may be looking for a way to make debt repayment easier. Debt consolidation may be the answer.

What is debt consolidation?

Debt consolidation is when you roll all of your smaller individual loans into one large loan, usually with a longer term and a lower interest rate. This allows you to write one check for a loan payment instead of many, while lowering your total monthly payments.

How do you consolidate your debts?

There are many ways to consolidate your debts. One way is to transfer them to a credit card with a lower interest rate. Most credit card companies allow you to transfer balances by providing them with information, such as the issuing bank, account number, and approximate balance. Or, your credit card company may send you convenience checks that you can use to pay off your old balances. Keep in mind, however, that there is usually a fee for this type of transaction, and the lower rate may last only for a certain period of time (e.g., six months).

Another option is to obtain a home equity loan. Most banks and mortgage companies offer home equity loans. You’ll need to fill out an application and demonstrate to the lender that you’ll be able to make regular monthly payments. Your home will then be appraised to determine the amount of your equity. Typically, you can borrow an amount equal to 80 percent of the value of the equity in your home. Interest rates and terms for home equity loans vary, so you should shop around and compare lenders.

Some lenders offer loans specifically designed for debt consolidation. Again, you’ll need to fill out an application and demonstrate to the lender that you’ll be able to make regular monthly payments. Keep in mind, however, that these loans usually come with higher interest rates than home equity loans and, depending on the amount you borrow, may require collateral on the loan (e.g., your car or bank account).

Advantages of debt consolidation

   • The monthly payment on a consolidation loan is usually substantially lower than the combined       payments of smaller loans.

   • Consolidation loans usually offer lower interest rates.

   • Consolidation makes bill paying easier since you have only one monthly payment, instead of       many.

Disadvantages of debt consolidation

   • If you use a home equity loan to consolidate your debts, the loan is secured by a lien on your       home. As a result, the lender can foreclose on your home if you default on the loan.

   • If the term of your consolidation loan is longer than the terms of your smaller existing loans, you       may end up paying more total interest even if the rate is lower. So you won’t actually be saving       any money over time, even though your monthly payments will be less.

   • If you use a longer-term loan to consolidate your debts, it will take you longer to pay off your debt.

Should you consolidate your debts?

For debt consolidation to be worthwhile, the monthly payment on your consolidation loan should be less than the sum of the monthly payments on your individual loans. If this isn’t the case, consolidation may not be your best option. Moreover, the interest rate on your consolidation loan should be lower than the average of the interest rates on your individual loans. This allows you not only to save money but also to lower your monthly payment.

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