Computers

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Hackers Are Trying to Break Into Your Accounts — See the Proof!

Regular reader David B. wrote recently to say that hackers are working relentlessly to break into people’s accounts using passwords they have found online from big data breaches.

He suggested I look at my Microsoft account to see a sample of what he was talking about. So I did that. And…. WOW…. every few hours hackers from around the world were trying to log into my account.

*MOUSE PRINT:

Microsoft security log

Scroll down the list.

Do you believe this… crooks from Brazil, Argentina, Russia, China, Ukraine, Bosnia, Chile, etc. are trying to access my account multiple times a day!

What can you do to protect yourself? I’m no security expert, but at a minimum turn on two-factor authentication on your various accounts, so it is not just a simple password that is needed to log in. You will typically instantly be sent an email with an additional passcode that you have to enter in order to access your account. Using a passkey is another way that some sites use where face recognition or a fingerprint is needed to authenticate your access.

To check your own Microsoft account for hacker activity, go to Account.Microsoft.com, and sign in. Once you do that, select “security” from the menu, and then “View my sign-in activity.”

You will be shocked.

Here are some resources to help improve your computer security:

  • How to turn on 2-step verification on your Microsoft account;

  • How to secure your Google account;

  • Online privacy and security tips from the FTC;

  • 12 simple things to do to be more secure online.

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    Option-Packing Adds Needless Costs to Dell Computers

    MrConsumer recently ordered a new Dell desktop computer since his old one was just over 10 years old. Even with discounts and waiting for a good sale, his new pc was still going to cost about a thousand dollars.

    Dell lets you customize your computer to a degree by adding, upgrading, or removing certain components such as memory, SSDs, or the video card. They also state the increase or decrease in price as a result of any change.

    On the same customization page at the end, Dell includes a section on software. Here, you can see that the computer comes with McAfee antivirus.

    McAfee included

    Only if you look at the detailed online invoice after you make your purchase, which is not emailed to you, do you see that you actually purchased McAfee.

    *MOUSE PRINT:

    Dell McAfee

    McAfee wasn’t a freebie that Dell threw in with my purchase, they charged me $31.58 plus tax for a year’s subscription to it, that I neither asked for nor wanted. And in fact, I uninstalled it when the computer arrived as Windows 11 comes with Microsoft Defender built in.

    My first request to Dell to get a $31.xx refund went unresponded to. My second request took Dell at least two weeks to process, but I just got a phone call saying they would make an exception and give me a $33.55 refund.

    The internet is filled with complaints about Dell tacking on charges to computer purchases for what generally would be considered optional add-ons. I can’t believe some class action lawyer has not gone after the company for this practice that has apparently been going on for years.

    We asked Dell to comment on their practice of forcing computer buyers into the purchase of McAfee. A spokesperson responded:

    McAfee+ Premium protection is included in the price of that system and listed in the specifications on the webpage. We offer this to provide our customers with a security suite that helps protect their device, identity and privacy. It includes antivirus, identity monitoring, VPN and more. The invoice provides a more detailed price breakdown of the system, including all SKUs that make up the system. The invoice price will match the price listed on the webpage, ensuring that, prior to purchase, customers are informed of the total price they’ll pay for the specifications listed.

    All that sidesteps the issue we raised that it should be the customer’s option to purchase or not purchase McAfee and the price should be disclosed before purchase. What do you think?

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    Is TurboTax Really Free This Year?

    You may have seen the TV ads for TurboTax this year promising completely free service tax preparation and filing.

    Every year, Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, advertises some type of free service but it often comes under scrutiny of consumer regulators for poorly disclosed catches as the FTC found last year. This year’s offer is bolder than ever. It promises tax preparation and filing that is 100% free if you didn’t file using TurboTax last year. While the TV ads are very clear this year, here is a summary of the catches.

    *MOUSE PRINT:

  • You must use the TurboTax app to start your taxes.

  • You must file your taxes using the TurboTax app by February 18, 2025.

  • You must not have used TT last year, but use of it prior to that is okay.

  • TurboTax Live is not free.

  • The app is not appropriate for more complex tax situations such as for itemized deductions, business income, investment sales, etc. However, as long as you begin your tax prep in the app, you can switch to do it on your computer even in a more expensive product like TurboTax Deluxe or higher, whose fees will be waived, they say. But you then have to return to the app to file your taxes by the February 18th deadline.

  • It is unclear if their usual fee to file your state return is being waived.

    • Perhaps those folks with very simple returns will find this to be a tempting offer, but I can’t imagine how tedious it could become for more complex situations doing it on a cellphone.

    Here’s another option for people with simple returns. Uncle Sam has expanded its new Direct File free program to 25 states this year.

    Regular TurboTax offline users, like MrConsumer, face a number of challenges this year as well. Amazon did not run its usual sale for TurboTax Deluxe discs at the end of the year. And many people missed their November 30th sale when it was $45.99 with a $10 Amazon gift card. Also changed this year, TurboTax Deluxe is a download only product — the disc version has been discontinued.

    Costco advertised in its January Connection magazine that from January 18 to February 7 it will be offering $11 off of TurboTax Deluxe (making it $44.99), $18 off of Premier, and $20 off Home & Business. Sam’s Club will have a similar offer.

    UPDATE: Amazon has matched Costco’s price and upped the ante! The Amazon offer includes a $10 Amazon gift card when you buy TurboTax 2024 Deluxe plus State for $44.99. This will be the lowest price of the tax season if history is any guide. BUT… Amazon only offered this deal for one day, Saturday, January 18th. Now it is $44.99 without the gift card.

    [Consumer World will earn a small commission if you purchase from this link.]