Never leave home without it. That’s my (borrowed) statement and I’m sticking to it. After my nightmare driving experience a couple of days ago, I knew it was time to bring out the Garmin GPS and put it on the dashboard of my KIA. First, I wanted to update the maps because “that old thing” wouldn’t have details about the horrible Interstate construction. Frankly, I cannot accurately describe the horrible traffic problems due to construction on I-35 in Waco, Texas. On the road to the update, I had a unique experience I suspect was a scam.

I did a Google search for “Garmin GPS updates” and clicked on the one at the top of the list. I immediately had an individual ready to “chat.” Next, the request for my phone number so we could “talk.” On my Smartphone, with the speaker on, a young man worked diligently in an effort to assist me. My desktop computer seemed to have “a mind of its own” and I could never get to a place where the young man had access to my computer. How do I know he was “a young man”? In conversation, I told him I am eighty-six and he said I’m older than his grandparents “back in India.” The problems I encountered: (1) My internet WiFi stopped working, (2) the computer wouldn’t recognize the Garmin. I tried changing USB ports; I tried everything imaginable and I couldn’t get to the place where the young man could access my computer. Finally, we established an appointment for Monday at noon.

I repeatedly told the young man I’m so embarrassed because I’m usually skilled at navigating a computer. I apologized because “I hate to be a bother.”  He said it was not a bother and he was glad to help. After we hung up, I started thinking: “Why did he need access to my computer? The previous time I updated… it was an automatic thing.”  On another Google search, I chose a website identified as a Garmin website. It wasn’t miraculously simple but after a few attempts, I was able to update my GPS—without human assistance.

Angel on my shoulder? My desktop computer “with a mind of its own”? Quite possibly, I was not the victim of a scam.