Recently there have been multiple scams circulating taking advantage of people during these uncertain and worrying times. Here at BMC, we are keeping our customers informed of imminent threats with the most recent being reports of scammers posing as government agencies attempting to obtain your personal information. 

Current COVID-19 (coronavirus) scams

Scammers are using the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) to take advantage of people across Australia. 

Scamwatch has received over received over 4160 scam reports mentioning the coronavirus with over $3 360 000 in reported losses since the outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Common scams include phishing for personal information, online shopping, and superannuation scams. 

Reports have been received that scammers are pretending to be government agencies providing information on COVID-19 through text messages and emails ‘phishing’ for your information. These contain malicious links and attachments designed to steal your personal and financial information. READ MORE

Tips to protect yourself

• Don’t click on hyperlinks in text/social media messages or emails, even if it appears to come from a trusted source.
• Go directly to the website through your browser. For example, to reach the MyGov website type ‘my.gov.au’ into your browser yourself.
• Never respond to unsolicited messages and calls that ask for personal or financial details, even if they claim to be a from a reputable organisation or government authority — just press delete or hang up. 

Happy to help.
If you are ever in any doubt regarding text messages or spam emails please feel free to send the email to us for assessment to [email protected] or call us on 02 4751 7111 or 0422 262 262. We will quickly tell you if we think it is legitimate or not. 

We hope this information helps our customers stay safe. Please feel free to share with your friends and family.

Are you due for maintenance or clean up for your computer? 
If so, please contact us via our website www.bluemountainscomputers.com.au or email us directly on [email protected]

Important information
 
Microsoft will no longer support Windows 7 as of the 14th of January 2020.
 
Message from Microsoft:
“After January 14, 2020, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates and support for PCs with Windows 7. If you continue to use Windows 7 after support has ended, your PC will still work, but it may become more vulnerable to security risks.”
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-windows-7-support
 
Video explanation: https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/windows/windows-7-end-of-life-support-information
 
Options going forward:

1. Do nothing and continue using Windows 7. The risk is that programs may start to become incompatible and the security will become more and more vulnerable each day that passes.
2. Upgrade to Windows 10. You must purchase a Windows 10 License and rebuild your computer back to factory. We will then transfer your old data to the new system. 
3. Purchase a new computer with Windows 10 already installed. This will also have new computer warranty and much better specifications than your old system.

 
BMC - We have some special offiers currently available should you be looking for an upgrade.
https://www.bluemountainscomputers.com.au/offers.html

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.

Blue Mountains Computers
02 4751 7111

With Blue Mountains Computers every customer is treated equal. We don't give preference to the bigger organisations just because of their size. To us every customer is valuable and we will do everything in our power to make sure EVERY customer is more than satisfied with our service. 

There is no job too big or small and we will provide you a solution 99% of the time. So please don't hesitate to contact us regarding any computer matter.

Regards
Blue Mountains Computers