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.
You may have already been scammed. While your computer seemed to have a mind of its own, he may have been placing a virus or scanning for banking account info. Did he email you anything to click on? Or give him any info to locate your computer over the internet?
You may have already been scammed. While your computer seemed to have a mind of its own, he may have been placing a virus or scanning for banking account info. Did he email you anything to click on? Or give him any info to locate your computer over the internet?