Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Help Me to Stop Scammers!

I just had another customer of mine call in a panic because of a message on their computer that they've been infected with a virus. This is a screenshot of what appeared on their computer:


What I've done, and would like anyone else so inclined to do, is call the number listed on the message which is: (855) 882-7403 and inform THEM that they have a problem with their computer and that YOU'D like to log in remotely to fix it. This seems to confuse them and the main purpose is to tie up their pones and "support" people to prevent them from scamming others.

I know this is kind of like trying to empty the lake with a teaspoon, but if you've got a little free time, every little bit can help. I've also tried lecturing the person that answers that they sound like a basically good, honest person and why don't they go out and get a real job.

Monday, May 1, 2017

Using FaxAway to send and receive faxes

As mentioned in my previous post, I'll briefly describe how to set up and use FaxAway for sending and receiving faxes via e-mail.

  1. Visit http://faxaway.com to get started. The main page looks like this:

  2. Click on the link "Apply Here!". You will then be presented with a page where you can select to either complete a secure online application or print out an application and fax it to them. For this example, we'll use the secure online application.

  3. Next, check the two boxes for payment terms and terms of service and click on submit:
  4. Complete the application process by entering the appropriate information on the next page and click on submit:
  5. Once you submit your application, your account will be created and you will then be taken to the welcome page where you will obtain your account information including a phone number to use when receiving faxes.

  6. Initially, your credit card will be charged an opening balance of $10.00. Their rates are as follows:
    $1.00 per month maintenance fee.
    All incoming faxes are delivered to your e-mail address for free.
    Outgoing faxes are transmitted at the rate (For U.S.) of $0.11 per minute. There is a one minute minimum and then transmission is billed in 6 second increments.
  7. To send a .pdf file as a fax, You use your e-mail program (set to plain text) and address it in this format:
    TO: "faxnumber"@fax2.faxaway.com
    Subject: FAXDOC
    Body: (Use your email program to insert or attach the file you want to send)

    A complete copy of the user's guide with all of the various options can be found here:
    http://www.faxaway.com/user_guide/Faxaway_User_GUIDE.pdf