Don't fall victim to the latest computer scams

We are receiving more and more reports from our customers of computer scams in the area.  Basically they all start the same way, the phone rings and a fraudster tells you that they are from a microsoft accredited company, or associated with your broadband provider.  They then tell you that they have reports of a virus on your computer and persuade you to switch it on asking you to visit various web pages so they can show you the virus warnings.   In some cases they will also ask you to download remote access software so they can take control.  They will always say that the anti-virus software you have is inadequate, and that they can recommend better options. 

The aim of the call is to persuade you to part with some cash when they repair the "problems" they've highlighted to you, the rub here is that these problems never existed in the first place.  However there are also concerns that they may actually infect your computer with viruses and malware searching for personal data.

These scams take hours to set up, operate under various different names, but seem to have in common an 0203 telephone number.  These are bought in an attempt to make themselves look legitimate, however these numbers are cheap and easy to buy and can be accessed from around the world.  They offer no guarantee that the person on the end of the phone is calling from London. 

It's an easy and cheap fraud to set up, but shutting it down seems much harder.  The only way to ensure that you stay safe from these scams is to hang up if you receive an unsolicited call. 

Think about it as you would your own door, if someone called unsolicited asking you information about your PC or laptop you wouldn't let them in...don't do it over the phone or internet either!

If you think you may have fallen victim to one of these scams drop in to chat to our resident gadgetman.

Blue Monday

Watching the news today I discovered that today is apparently one of the most miserable days of the year.  So much so that it has been nicknamed "Blue Monday".  All of us are fed up with the UK weather, and looking at post-Christmas bills with horror! 

So what is the best way to cheer yourself on this downtrodden day, slap on a happy face!  According to experts one of the most effective ways to trick your body into cheering up is to smile, forced or not!

We have some great comedies in store to help you put that smile back on your face, and even better news (particularly with the post Christmas blues) is that midweek you can now rent out 2 movies, for 2 nights for only £6.00.  Our top pick of titles are:

1.  The Hangover - 15 - A high action rip-roaring belly laugh of a comedy that tells the story of a Las Vegas Bachelor party which goes way off plan.

2.  Yes Man - 12 - What happens when you say "yes" to every question?  The possibilities are endless in this laugh-out-loud comedy starring Jim Carrey.

3.  The Ugly Truth - A battle of the sexes romcom that both men and women will love with brilliant chemistry between the lead actors Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler.

4.  Priceless - 12 - Outstanding French romantic comedy which is funny, sexy, romantic and glamorous...perfect!

5.  Please Give - 15 - Quirky and perceptive comedy which portrays a families life in New York City.  Excellent humour which will have you laughing for days afterwards. 

We have a dedicated comedy section in store with a great selection of classic and new titles, so come down to find your favourite and laugh away those January blues!

Top Films of 2010

Happy New Year to all our customers and friends of The Hub.  We've now been able to look over the Top Films of 2010, and there has been very little change, even though some cracking titles came out towards the tail end of the year.  In reverse order, the top 10 films of 2010 were:

10. Clash of the Titans - all out action in this re-make of the classic 1981 film.  Enjoyable to watch for the whole family, although younger children may find some scenes a little scary. 

9.  Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief - Based on the popular book series this film is all about Greek mythology brought into the modern day setting.  Fantastic action and a good film for the whole family. 

8.  It's Complicated - A simple comedy, pure fun and entertainment with a great cast including Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin.  Light and easy to watch.

7.  Law Abiding Citizen - A high octane action movie which has a lot of violence but is very watchable. 

6.  The Blind Side - A nice as pie film based on the true life events of an American family when they take in a homeless boy.  Sandra Bullock won the Oscar in 2010 for this film - and it's a great watch which leaves you feeling really positive.

5.  2012 - Pure spectacle in a disaster movie, where the action packed special effects are entertaining in themselves.

4.  The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - The first film in the Millennium Trilogy with graphic violence and a sprawling length, but great suspense in a dark crime drama. 

3.  Shutter Island - An enticing and engaging thriller that tells the story of an investigation into the disappearance of of a murderess from an island's fortress like hospital.  Twists, turns and great suspense. 

2.  Avatar - Very impressive technically with incredible special effects and a simple plot.  Classic storytelling which is wholly entertaining.

and in the top spot......

1.  Sherlock Holmes - Superb chemistry from the two main characters ensure that this high action take on a legendary character is fabulous entertainment.  If you haven't seen it yet it's a must see that will please the whole family.

So there you have it...the top films from The Hub last year.  We'll be expanding the range of movies available even more over the coming months, with some amazing titles due to be released in 2011.