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That fake antivirus popup I clicked at a coffee shop in Austin 2 years ago still haunts me

I was typing up some notes at a Starbucks on South Congress when a big red warning flashed saying my computer had 3 viruses. Freaked out and called the number on the screen. The guy on the phone walked me through installing remote access software and I let him look around. He charged me $150 for a 'cleanup' that was just running a free scan. Felt so dumb after. Anyone else almost fall for one of those scare tactics?
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3 Comments
smith.parker
It's wild how scammers know exactly when to hit you when you're distracted or stressed... that's the part that gets me. You're just trying to get some work done and bam, they prey on that moment of panic. Makes you wonder how many little traps are out there waiting for us to slip up in everyday life.
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ivan_murphy80
Use a credit card next time so you can dispute the charge.
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faith_shah88
Heard a story from my friend Jenna who bought a used couch off Facebook Marketplace. Paid with Venmo, no protection at all. Couch showed up with bed bugs and the guy ghosted her. She had to throw it out and spent weeks dealing with an exterminator. So yeah @ivan_murphy80 is right, credit cards give you a way to fight back when stuff goes wrong. Jenna learned the hard way.
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