SCAMMERS ABOUND

 Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG

On August 31 while on-line my computer was hacked into and they tried to relieve me of my savings as well as hacking into my checking account.  Fortunately, Union Bank took swift action and immediately closed my accounts, and notified me otherwise I’d be a pauper today.

While that’s great service it created havoc in its wake, leaving me unable to write checks, use my ATM card to charge for groceries, etc. and, leaving several companies (paid directly monthly by Union Bank) at the beginning of the new month unpaid!   I notified those companies what had happened and that the situation was being corrected.   Unfortunately, I didn’t get all of them and have started to receive some nasty emails from them about non-payment.

In addition to taking my new computer back to the shop to get the virus removed, Union Bank wanted a statement from them confirming that the computer was now virus-free.  That took a few days.  Back to the bank I went to order a new checking account, with new checks. new ID and new password.  The checks just came but not the new ATM card.    So, I still can’t pay bills on-line until the new ATM card arrives.

In a way I feel I’ve lost my identity.  I thought I had excellent virus software and never dreamed a hacker could or would hack into my bank accounts.  This whole ordeal was made lighter by my wounded-warrior friend and President of my Tick Talk Toastmaster club, Rob Caudill.    Since I am not driving my car yet I needed help driving to Best Buy with my computer and then to Union Bank.  Rob sprang into action and took me to straighten out this mess.  I am so lucky to have Rob in my life.  He’s like the grandson I never had.  Always cheerful, upbeat and willing to help regardless of the mess I’m in.  Thank you Rob.  You help me to keep things in perspective.

Being without my computer and unable to email friends was bad enough.  But not being able to pay my bills on-line promptly and now receiving terse emails from companies who have not gotten paid is the worst.

There must be a better way to keep one’s PC virus-free without the hassle of stripping it of all files and taking it back to the factory settings.  Some files I can never replace.  I’d like to hear from you if you have any solutions.