How Seniors in Port Townsend Can Spot Computer Scams (2026 Guide)

Scammers target seniors in Port Townsend every day. I see the aftermath regularly — clients who've lost money, had their computers locked up, or handed over access to their bank accounts. The sad part is, these scams are entirely preventable once you know what to look for.

Here are the most common computer scams hitting our community right now, the red flags to watch for, and exactly what to do if you've been targeted.

1. The "Your Computer Is Infected" Popup Scam

This is the most common one I see. You're browsing the internet and suddenly a full-screen popup appears. It looks official — often using Microsoft or Norton branding — with a loud warning: "YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN INFECTED!" and a phone number to call for help.

The truth: Legitimate companies like Microsoft will never show you a popup with a phone number. This is a scam. If you call the number, the "technician" will ask for remote access to your computer, then pretend to find problems, demand payment, and possibly install real malware.

2. The Phone Call Tech Support Scam

Someone calls you — often spoofing a local Port Townsend area code — claiming to be from Microsoft, your internet provider, or a well-known tech company. They say your computer is sending error messages or has been hacked, and they need remote access to fix it.

The truth: Microsoft and other major tech companies don't make unsolicited phone calls about your computer. Hang up. Do not give them remote access to your computer. Do not give them any personal information.

3. The "Grandparent" Emergency Scam

A caller pretends to be a grandchild or family member in trouble — they've been in an accident, arrested, or stranded — and urgently needs money. Sometimes they spoof the actual family member's phone number. They'll say things like "Grandma, it's me, I need help."

The truth: Scammers harvest names and relationships from social media and obituaries. If you get a call like this, hang up and call the family member on a number you already know. Don't send money or gift cards.

4. The Fake Email or Text from Your Bank

You get an email or text that appears to be from your bank, saying there's suspicious activity on your account. It asks you to click a link and "verify" your login information. The link leads to a fake website designed to steal your username, password, and security codes.

The truth: Your bank will never send a text or email asking you to click a link to verify your account. If you're concerned, call your bank directly using the number on the back of your debit card — not the number in the suspicious message.

Red Flags to Watch For

These warning signs apply to any computer-related call, email, popup, or text:

• Urgency. Scammers try to panic you so you act before thinking. "Act now or your computer will be destroyed!"
• Payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate businesses don't demand payment via iTunes cards or Bitcoin.
• Requesting remote access to your computer. Only grant remote access to someone you personally called and trust.
• Unsolicited contact. Any unexpected phone call, email, or popup that asks you to take action is suspicious.
• Too-good-to-be-true offers. "Free virus scan," "$50 refund," "You've won a prize" — all common bait.
• Poor grammar and spelling. Many scam emails contain obvious errors.

What to Do if You've Been Scammed

If you think you've fallen for a computer scam, here's what to do immediately:

1. Disconnect from the internet. Unplug your Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable. This cuts off the scammer's remote access.
2. Call your bank. If you shared any financial information, call your bank immediately to freeze your accounts and reverse any unauthorized transactions.
3. Change your passwords. Use a different computer (not the one the scammer accessed) to change passwords for email, banking, and other important accounts.
4. Call a local professional. Call me at 360-379-1319. I'll remove any malware the scammer installed, clean up your computer, and make sure they can't get back in.
5. Report it. File a report with the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint and your local police department.

How England Tech Solutions Can Help

If you've been targeted by a computer scam, don't feel embarrassed — it happens to smart, careful people every day. Scammers are professional manipulators.

Here's what I do when a scam victim comes to me:

• Full computer scan and malware removal: Starting at $149. I check every corner of your system and remove anything the scammer installed.
• Account security audit: I help you secure your email, banking, and any other accounts that may have been compromised.
• Password management setup: I set up a secure password manager so you don't have to remember dozens of passwords.
• Scam prevention coaching: I show you what red flags to watch for going forward — in plain English, no technobabble.

If you think you've been scammed, call me right now. I'll walk you through what to do over the phone, no charge.