Your Guide to Staying Safe
From Online Scams
Scammers cost Americans $10 billion+ every year. They target people of all ages — especially in rural communities. Learn to recognize the signs, protect yourself, and know exactly what to do if it happens to you.
8 Common Scams Targeting Virginians
Scammers are creative. Understanding their tactics is your first line of defense.
Tech Support Scams
You get a call, pop-up, or email claiming your computer has a virus. The "tech" asks to connect remotely and then steals data or charges hundreds for fake repairs. Legitimate companies like Microsoft and Apple will never contact you unsolicited.
Phishing & Email Scams
Emails disguised as Amazon, your bank, or the IRS asking you to "verify your account" or "update payment info." The link leads to a fake site that captures your login or card number. Look for misspelled domains like amaz0n-help.xyz.
Gift Card & Wire Transfer Scams
Someone (posing as the IRS, a grandchild in trouble, or even your boss) demands urgent payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. Once sent, the money is gone. No real agency or company accepts gift cards as payment — ever.
Government Impersonation
Callers claim to be the IRS, Social Security Administration, or Medicare threatening arrest, benefit suspension, or fines unless you pay immediately. Government agencies communicate by mail first and never demand immediate payment by phone.
Romance Scams
Scammers build fake relationships on social media or dating apps over weeks or months, then ask for money for an "emergency." They never meet in person. Never send money to someone you have not met face to face.
Package & Delivery Scams
A text or email says your USPS or FedEx package is on hold and asks you to click a link and pay a small fee. The site steals your card number. Always go directly to the carrier website — never click links in unexpected delivery texts.
Lottery & Prize Scams
"You have won $50,000 — pay the processing fee to claim your prize." There is no prize. Legitimate lotteries never require upfront fees and you cannot win a lottery you did not enter.
Grandparent Scams
A caller pretends to be a grandchild (or their lawyer) saying they are in jail or hurt and need cash immediately — and beg you not to tell family. Always hang up and call your family member directly on a number you already have.
If Any of These Are True — Stop Immediately
A quick call to Next Gen Tech at (540) 719-0700 can save you thousands of dollars and hours of stress.
Habits That Keep You Safe
Build these habits and you will avoid the vast majority of scams.
🖥️ On Your Computer
- Keep Windows and macOS fully updated
- Use a reputable antivirus (we can recommend one)
- Never download software from a pop-up or cold call
- Use a password manager — never reuse passwords
- Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts
- Back up your files regularly (offsite or cloud)
📱 On Your Phone
- Do not answer calls from numbers you do not recognize
- Never call back numbers left in suspicious voicemails
- Do not click links in unexpected texts — even from "UPS" or "Amazon"
- Enable spam call filtering (built into most smartphones)
- Register at donotcall.gov to reduce telemarketing
📧 With Your Email
- Hover over links before clicking to see the real URL
- Check the sender address — not just the display name
- Never open attachments from unexpected senders
- If it asks for login info, go directly to the website instead
- Mark suspicious emails as spam to train your filter
Think You've Been Scammed?
Act on These 6 Steps Now.
Speed matters. The faster you act, the better your chances of limiting the damage.
Stop All Contact
Hang up, stop replying, close the browser tab. Do not engage further — every additional interaction gives them more information or leverage.
Disconnect From the Internet
Turn off WiFi or unplug ethernet immediately. If a scammer had remote access to your computer, this cuts them off instantly.
Change All Your Passwords
Start with email, banking, and social accounts — from a different, unaffected device if possible. Enable two-factor authentication on everything.
Call Your IT Professional
Call Next Gen Tech at (540) 719-0700. We will scan your system for malware, close any remote access backdoors, and help you secure your accounts.
Contact Your Bank Immediately
Call the fraud number on the back of your card or visit in person. Ask them to reverse any unauthorized charges and place a fraud alert on your account.
Freeze Your Credit
Contact Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax to place a freeze. This is free and prevents scammers from opening new accounts in your name.
Report the Scam
Your report helps law enforcement track patterns and protect others in Virginia and beyond. It only takes a few minutes.
FTC Fraud Report
Federal Trade Commission — the primary place to report all consumer fraud
reportfraud.ftc.gov →FBI Internet Crime
Report cybercrime, tech scams, and internet fraud to the FBI
ic3.gov →SSA Fraud Hotline
Report Social Security and government impersonation scams
ssa.gov/fraud →Virginia AG Office
Report scams targeting Virginia residents to the state Attorney General
ag.virginia.gov →Got Scammed? Worried You Might Be?
Call Us — We Handle It.
Next Gen Tech has helped dozens of Virginia residents and businesses recover from scams. We scan for malware, secure compromised accounts, and make sure it does not happen again.