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Dear Heloise: Maybe I can save some of your readers from making the same mistake I made. I got an email that said "security threat detected." The email claimed that five serious threats and a number of viruses had been found on my computer. Instead of checking the return address, I clicked on the place that read "click here" in an effort to find out what was going on with my computer.
Needless to say, there was no threat, and I hadn't picked up a virus. But these people still claimed that I had, and that for a certain amount of money, they would remove the problem. I declined their offer since I already have someone who takes care of my computer problems. But, after that exchange, I really started to have problems, and my computer guy believes that it was caused by these scammers. I finally got everything straightened out, but it cost me lots of money and time.
The lesson here is not to let someone email you with unsolicited information about viruses on your computer. How would anyone know if you had a virus in the first place? Also, always check the return address. The ones from scammers are usually long … too long! Last of all, never click on anything when and if you are contacted by these charlatans. -- Ralph M., Houston
TRAVEL TIPS
Dear Heloise: I've done a lot of traveling over several years, so I have some hints that might help travelers:
1. Use "selfie" mode on your phone's camera as a mirror.
2. Don't travel on a train with more than one rolling suitcase.
3. Keep a water bottle with you and pour in any leftover water from purchased bottles of water or restaurant water.
4. Take some microfiber cloths for wiping dirty shoes or windshields or for many other uses, like a washcloth.
5. Some hotels in Europe, including Ireland, always have a comforter on top of the bed. If the room is too hot, ask for a flat sheet. They will usually oblige your request.
6. Zip-off pants are great for days that start off chilly and end up warm.
7. Paper maps or a Garmin GPS can save the day when you don't have Wi-Fi or cellphone service.
8. Clothespins work great for holding maps to the dashboard, for closing curtains completely or for closing chip bags.
9. When living out of a suitcase, turn dirty clothes inside out so you know what's clean and what isn't. -- Nita H., San Antonio