Tech Support Scams

Scammers find the most ingenious ways to target people these days. One such scam that has been around for a number of years, but which continues to catch people out, is the tech support scam. Find out more below…

Tech support scams

Tech support scams are a particular type of scam that uses malware (software that is intended to damage or disable computers and computer systems) to trick unsuspecting victims. You are lured into contacting a fake support team, be it by telephone, message service or email.

Fake support staff

You are contacted by fake support staff who claim they have detected a problem with your computer or laptop. They might claim you have any number of problems from licensing issues, system errors or by displaying blank screens on your computer. The scam comes when they try to get you to pay them in order to fix the problems they claim you have with your computer. In more invasive scams, they may ask you to give them remote access to your computer in order to fix it, at which point your secure information is vulnerable.

Website hosted scams

The most common scams are those hosted on websites. You might be browsing information and suddenly see a pop-up message or your screen goes blank etc and you believe you have a computer virus. The trick comes when you see a message from Windows or Apple telling you there was a system error and to call a particular number. The number may be one that charges you a high fee for the call, or the tech support imposter will try to gain access to your computer or charge a fee to correct the problem.

What to do if you have already fallen foul of these kinds of scams according to Microsof[1] t:

●     Turn off all remote management tools you may have, or better still, uninstall them.

●     Clean your computer with an antivirus

●     Make sure you have all of your updates, especially security updates.

●     Change all of your passwords.

●     Check with your credit card provider and report the scam.

●     Be vigilant and watch for unusual activity

●     Restore your computer to its previous state.

Have you been victim of a tech support scam? Share your experiences in the comments box.

Reference: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4013405/windows-protect-from-tech-support-scams

Search for Garza Blanca Timeshare Reviews

If you are trying to differentiate between real and fake timeshare companies, try looking at customer reviews. With this in mind, this blog will give information of how to conduct your research for the top Garza Blanca timeshare reviews.

So, how do I get started with my Garza Blanca timeshare review research?

Right here on this website

First of all, this site is a good starting point for finding current customer reviews from people who have stayed at Garza Blanca Resorts as well as other reputation timeshare properties in Mexico. Some of the reviews are written, and some are in video form.  We also highly recommend Garza Blanca timeshare members comment on our site to give firsthand accounts of what these properties are like. Make it a habit to read all comments found here.

Garza Blanca timeshare reviews on Facebook

Facebook pages are a great place to find company reviews, and Garza Blanca has one full of member reviews.

Garza Blanca timeshare reviews on YouTube

Thanks to the vlogging trend, YouTube has become a reliable source for Garza Blanca timeshare reviews since the company uploads testimonials regularly on its YouTube channel. Independent reviews are also found on YouTube from people who would like to share their experiences. Please refer to this review example: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nP7Tt64ORQw).

Garza Blanca timeshare reviews on TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor is a website that can help you determine if a company is a scam.  If something’s not right about a company, you can bet people have spoken out about it.   Since anyone can comment on this site, you may get a few duds when it comes to negative reviews that actually may be retaliation from ex-employees. Make sure to read the comments thoroughly to determine if the complaint is legitimate or just an employee being spiteful.

For the most part, Garza Blanca timeshare reviews have been positive. Also, look at the date of the complaint because some issues could have been resolved since the time of the review—especially if it was posted years ago.

Timeshare Upgrades - Solution or scam?

The topic of this week’s post is to discuss whether you should upgrade your timeshare membership in order to solve any usage problems you might be encountering with your vacation club. Some timeshare owners find that the level of their membership makes it difficult for them to enjoy their timeshare, forcing them to consider trying to cancel their timeshare (often falling foul to a scam). This article is dedicated to those people wanting clarity about timeshare upgrades.

I can’t use my timeshare, therefore it must be a scam!

Some of the complaints you will read on the internet about timeshare will focus on the fact that the person was sold a timeshare that he or she (seemingly) cannot use. Most of these cases relate to timeshare members who have bought the lowest level of membership at a resort, which limits them to only being able to make reservations in the most popular units, which are in high demand and therefore hard to reserve. This requires that they book their vacations up to two years in advance or as soon as possible.

When you have first purchased your timeshare, you are therefore at a disadvantage as other members have already booked the most popular dates in your unit type. Hence the relatively high numbers of new timeshare members who first think they have bought into a timeshare scam.  These clients sometimes take their complaints to forums and fake timeshare cancellation services rather than actually find a real solution to their timeshare concern with the original timeshare company. That’s where timeshare cancellation scammers start to take advantage.

What’s the real solution?

The best solution in these instances when you have purchased a timeshare from a reputable vacation club is to look into your options to upgrade your membership which allows you greater choice and flexibility on the kinds of units and locations where you can stay. Just be sure that your are upgrading your current membership and not purchasing a new one that runs alongside your original membership. Also, don’t fall into the trap of thinking that a competitor timeshare company will purchase your old timeshare and replace it with an upgraded version; the reality is that you will be left to attend to both timeshare memberships and both maintenance fees.

Other alternatives to timeshare upgrades include banking your timeshare for future years until you have enough points to use the kind of suite that you require. Many reputable timeshare companies offer this option. Likewise, you might reserve any week that is available and then exchange it through an exchange network like Interval International or RCI for other dates that suit your schedule, and even other destinations. Likewise, you could rent out that week.

The key to successful timeshare membership

In many ways the key to successful timeshare membership is to view your timeshare as an ongoing investment in experiences whereby as you finances grow you can make your membership work more and more in your favor. Therefore, once you have become a timeshare member with a reputable company, the best solution is to upgrade your timeshare membership as your finances allow you. That way you will get the best from your timeshare.

Beware timeshare cancellation companies

Be very wary of timeshare solution companies that claim to offer you a free consultation about cancelling a timeshare contract, especially if they claim they can recover the money you paid towards the timeshare. This is not possible to cancel a timeshare after the rescission period has passed, no matter what your circumstances. If you find yourself still within the rescission period (known as the cooling-off period), you do not need to pay a cancellation company to help you do this. Timeshare cancellation companies are scams.

How to Choose a Vacation Rental

If you plan for your next getaway to include a stay at a vacation rental, there are several factors that you should consider before plunking down your hard-earned cash on the deposit.  Every traveler is different, which means one person’s ideal retreat could be another family’s worst nightmare.  While researching options in your destination may require some extra time and effort, it will definitely be worth it when you find yourself in a dreamy rental that is so wonderful that it makes it hard to go back home.  Here are some tips on how to navigate the sometimes overwhelming task of booking a vacation rental:

Identify Your Must-Haves

We all have priorities, and it is important to figure out what yours are before you commit to a rental.  Do you want to avoid the stairs by staying somewhere on the ground floor?  Are you looking for a spectacular view?  Would you like a quiet retreat where you can recharge and unwind?  Are nearby amenities important to you, and would you like to be within walking distance of restaurants, shops, etc.?  Do you want a waterfront escape by the beach or lake?  Nailing down the answers to these questions will help you narrow your search in an efficient manner. 

Choose Your Destination

Is there a certain country you’ve been dying to visit?  Have you dreamt of seeing a specific city as long as you can remember?  Is there a particular event you are traveling for?  Once you decide where you are headed, you can start to pinpoint specific neighborhoods within your destination based on your personal criteria. 

Rely on Help from the Internet

While we all know that you can’t believe everything you see or read on the internet, it can still be an extremely helpful tool when planning a trip.  Websites from TripAdvisor to AirBnB can help you visualize what you’re after and pinpoint what you would like to do in your destination.

DIY or Agent?

Decide whether you would like to do all of the research yourself, which can add up to several hours, or give a general idea of what you are after to an agent and let them handle gathering the necessary information about rental availability. 

Narrow Your Choices

Once you have found some interesting potential properties, compile a shortlist of your top choices.  From there, make sure you read several reviews to give you an idea of what previous travelers have experienced, good or bad.  This is a crucial step that you won’t regret! 

Review Contract

Don’t just skim the paperwork and sign on the dotted line.  Pay close attention to the fine print so you have a thorough understanding of all of the policies before you agree to renting any place, no matter how amazing it may seem. 

Make a Deposit

When you have finally settled on a vacation rental, make sure you put down a deposit to ensure you have it held for the specific dates you need it for.  If possible, pay the deposit fee with a credit card so that there is a paper trail should you have any problems down the line.  Avoid cash transfers as this is an easy way for scammers to get their hands on your money while leaving you without a legitimate place to stay.